What are the differences between Django migrations and raw SQL?

What are the differences between Django migrations and raw SQL?

Django migrations are a way to manage database schema changes in a structured manner, while raw SQL involves writing SQL queries directly. Migrations are more abstract and allow for version control, whereas raw SQL gives you more control over the exact queries being executed.

Can you give me an example of when to use migrations instead of raw SQL?

Sure! Use migrations when you want to make changes to your database schema in a way that can be easily tracked and reversed. For example, adding a new field to a model is best done with a migration, as it ensures that the change is applied consistently across different environments.

Are there any performance differences between using migrations and raw SQL?

Generally, migrations may introduce some overhead due to their abstraction, but they ensure consistency and safety. Raw SQL can be faster for complex queries, but it lacks the safety features of migrations.

What happens if I need to roll back a migration?

If you need to roll back a migration, Django provides commands to reverse the changes made by the migration, restoring the previous state of the database. This is one of the key advantages of using migrations.