Django REST framework is a powerful and flexible toolkit used for building Web APIs. It is a module of Django, a high-level Python Web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. Built by experienced developers, Django takes care of much of the hassle of Web development, so the developers can focus on writing their app without needing to reinvent the wheel. Django REST framework is thus a collaborative extension of Django that specifically aids in building APIs.
The Django REST (Representational State Transfer) framework, designed to work with Django, can receive requests and send responses using hypermedia. It is a classic example of a RESTful API because it uses HTTP protocols to communicate between the client and the server. Django REST framework ensures that data stored in the database is seamlessly converted into the JSON format, which is then presented to the client (cypress.com).
Another significant attribute of the Django REST framework is its authentication. It uses advanced authentication policies including packages for OAuth1a and OAuth2, thus ensuring safety and integrity of user data (djangoproject.com).
Furthermore, Django REST framework includes robust serialization, rich support for HTML and forms, capabilities of browsing API and Django ORM, and extensive documentation that makes it easier to navigate and learn (django-rest-framework.org). An example of Django REST framework application is Mozilla, which uses the Django REST framework for many of its APIs across different websites.
Serialized data produced by Django REST can be rendered into multiple formats, such as JSON, HTML, XML and more. Standards-based authentication and permissions, field validation, caching, throttling and other features make Django REST framework a flexible and comprehensive solution for creating Web APIs (Mozilla Developer Network).
Moreover, many big and reputed companies like Eventbrite and Heroku use Django REST framework due to its scalability, adaptability with complex requirements, and its coupling with the power and simplicity of Django, which makes it a comfortable choice for building RESTful APIs.
In conclusion, Django REST framework is not just a simple add-on to Django but it extends Django’s functionalities making it easier to build RESTful API. It helps in the development process by simplifying complex coding structures and ensuring the efficiency and productivity of the developers.
Sources:
1. Django Project (https://www.djangoproject.com/)
2. Django REST Framework (https://www.django-rest-framework.org/)
3. Mozilla Developer Network (https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/Server-side/Django)
4. Cypress Official Site (https://www.cypress.io/blog/2020/06/02/the-django-api-series-build-a-rest-api-on-django-with-the-django-rest-framework-part-i/)
