Difference Between fields and read_only_fields in ModelSerializer Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report In Django REST Framework (DRF), ModelSerializer simplifies creating API endpoints by automatically mapping our model's fields to the API. You can customize the data shown with two important attributes: fields, which define which fields to include, and read_only_fields, which ensures certain fields can only be viewed and not modified.Table of ContentWhat is fields?What is read_only_fields ?Key Differences of fields and read_only_fields What is fields?The fields attribute in Django REST Framework allows you to select specific model fields to include in your API response. By default, all fields from the model are shown, but you can customize it to display only the necessary data.What is read_only_fields ? The read_only_fields attribute lists the fields that can only be viewed in the API response but cannot be changed by the user. This ensures that these fields are protected from modification in POST, PUT, or PATCH requests.Key Differences of fields and read_only_fields Featurefieldsread_only_fieldsPurposeDetermines which fields are included in the response.Specifies fields that are read-only.Default BehaviorAll fields are included by default.No fields are read-only by default.ModificationClients can modify fields specified in fields.Clients cannot modify fields specified in read_only_fields.Use CasesExposing a subset of fields for performance or security reasons.Protecting sensitive or calculated fields from modification.ConclusionBy understanding the fields and read_only_fields attributes, you can effectively control which data is exposed through your DRF API endpoints and ensure that sensitive or calculated fields are protected from unauthorized modifications. Comment More info M manindar_kumar_singh Follow Improve Article Tags : Python Python Django Explore Python FundamentalsPython Introduction 3 min read Input and Output in Python 4 min read Python Variables 5 min read Python Operators 5 min read Python Keywords 2 min read Python Data Types 7 min read Conditional Statements in Python 3 min read Loops in Python - For, While and Nested Loops 6 min read Python Functions 5 min read Recursion in Python 4 min read Python Lambda Functions 5 min read Python Data StructuresPython String 5 min read Python Lists 4 min read Python Tuples 4 min read Python Dictionary 3 min read Python Sets 6 min read Python Arrays 7 min read List Comprehension in Python 4 min read Advanced PythonPython OOP Concepts 11 min read Python Exception Handling 5 min read File Handling in Python 4 min read Python Database Tutorial 4 min read Python MongoDB Tutorial 2 min read Python MySQL 9 min read Python Packages 12 min read Python Modules 7 min read Python DSA Libraries 15 min read List of Python GUI Library and Packages 3 min read Data Science with PythonNumPy Tutorial - Python Library 3 min read Pandas Tutorial 6 min read Matplotlib Tutorial 5 min read Python Seaborn Tutorial 15+ min read StatsModel Library- Tutorial 4 min read Learning Model Building in Scikit-learn 8 min read TensorFlow Tutorial 2 min read PyTorch Tutorial 7 min read Web Development with PythonFlask Tutorial 8 min read Django Tutorial | Learn Django Framework 7 min read Django ORM - Inserting, Updating & Deleting Data 4 min read Templating With Jinja2 in Flask 6 min read Django Templates 7 min read Python | Build a REST API using Flask 3 min read How to Create a basic API using Django Rest Framework ? 4 min read Python PracticePython Quiz 3 min read Python Coding Practice 1 min read Python Interview Questions and Answers 15+ min read Like