Getting started with Django can be an exciting journey into the world of web development. To begin, you'll need to install Django on your local machine. You can easily do this using pip, which is a package manager for Python. Open your terminal and run the command pip install django. Once installed, you can verify the installation by checking the version using django-admin --version. For a comprehensive guide on installation, visit the official Django installation documentation.

After setting up Django, the next step is to create your first project. Use the command django-admin startproject myproject to create a new project directory. This will set up a structured environment for your application. Navigate into your project directory using cd myproject and start the development server with python manage.py runserver. You can view your app in a web browser by visiting http://127.0.0.1:8000/. For further information, check this detailed guide on Real Python's Django tutorial.

Django, a robust web framework, offers a plethora of third-party packages that can significantly enhance your web application development. In this article, we'll explore the Top 5 Django Packages you need to consider for streamlining your project. These packages not only improve functionality but also help in maintaining best coding practices. Whether you're looking for authentication solutions or data visualization tools, these packages have got you covered. For a deeper dive into Django packages, check out Django Packages.

1. Django REST Framework: This powerful toolkit is essential for building Web APIs with Django. It provides features like serialization, authentication, and view sets.
2. Django Allauth: Simplify user authentication with this comprehensive package that supports social authentication, email verification, and account management.
3. Django Crispy Forms: Enhance your web forms with better rendering control and layout options, making it easier to create stunning forms.
4. Django Debug Toolbar: This development tool provides insights into SQL queries, cache usage, and other metrics to optimize your application.
5. Django Celery: For background task processing, this package is indispensable. You can run long-running tasks asynchronously, ensuring a smoother user experience.

To learn more about these packages and others, visit Django Packages.

When starting with Django, one of the common mistakes developers make is neglecting to utilize Django's built-in features effectively. For example, many beginners fail to leverage the authentication and authorization system, opting to create custom solutions that increase complexity and reduce maintainability. Additionally, improper use of the ORM can lead to performance issues; developers should avoid making raw SQL queries when Django's ORM can handle the same tasks more efficiently. Always remember that optimal use of these features can save you significant time and effort in your development journey.

Another frequent pitfall is not following the DRY principle (Don't Repeat Yourself). In Django, code repetition often leads to bloated applications and makes maintenance a nightmare. It's crucial to extract common functionalities into reusable components like mixins or apps. Additionally, managing settings incorrectly can create numerous headaches down the line. Developers should use environment variables or dedicated configuration libraries like django-environ to ensure sensitive data is handled securely. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll find your Django development journey much smoother and more sustainable.