Serializers convert complex data types like Django models into JSON format (or other formats) and vice versa. They are analogous to Django forms but for APIs.

Creating a Serializer

Define a serializer for a model in serializers.py.

Example:

from rest_framework import serializers
from .models import Post

class PostSerializer(serializers.ModelSerializer):
    class Meta:
        model = Post
        fields = ['id', 'title', 'content', 'author', 'created_at']

• ModelSerializer: Automatically generates fields based on the model.

Using Serializers

Serializers can be used to serialize data, validate input, and deserialize JSON into model instances.

Example Usage:

# Serializing
post = Post.objects.first()
serializer = PostSerializer(post)
print(serializer.data)  # Outputs JSON

# Deserializing
data = {'title': 'New Post', 'content': 'Content here.'}
serializer = PostSerializer(data=data)
if serializer.is_valid():
    post = serializer.save()