What are the differences between Django ORM and raw SQL?

What are the differences between Django ORM and raw SQL?

Django ORM is an abstraction layer that allows you to interact with your database using Python code, while raw SQL involves writing SQL queries directly. ORM is generally easier to use and integrates well with Django, but raw SQL can offer more control and performance for complex queries.

When should I use Django ORM instead of raw SQL?

You should use Django ORM when you want to quickly develop applications with less code and benefit from built-in security features. It's also great for maintaining database portability. Use raw SQL for performance-critical queries or when you need specific SQL features not supported by ORM.

Are there any performance drawbacks to using Django ORM?

Yes, there can be performance drawbacks. Django ORM may generate less efficient SQL queries compared to hand-written raw SQL, especially for complex queries or large datasets. It's important to profile your queries and optimize them as needed.

Can I mix Django ORM and raw SQL in my project?

Absolutely! You can use Django ORM for most of your database interactions and fall back to raw SQL for specific cases where you need more control or performance. Just be cautious about maintaining consistency and security.