django-rules

Tiny app providing object-level permissions to Django without requiring a database.

EstablishedOpen SourceLow lock-in

Pricing

Free tier

Flat rate

Adoption

Cooling

License

Open Source

Data freshness

Aging · Jun 8, 2026

Overview

What is django-rules?

Django-rules is an app that provides flexible and powerful object-level permission handling for Django applications, enhancing security by allowing fine-grained access control without the need for a database.

Key differentiator

Django-rules stands out by offering object-level permission handling without the need for a database, making it ideal for applications requiring fine-grained access control with minimal overhead.

Capability profile

Capability Radar

Ease of StartEcosystemValueMaturityFlexibilityScale Ready

Honest assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

↑ Strengths

Object-level permissions without a databasemedium

Flexible permission handling for Django applicationsmedium

Enhanced security through fine-grained access controlmedium

↓ Weaknesses

Steep learning curve for non-Python developershigh

API requires Python-specific patterns, TypeScript SDK is community-maintained

Frequent breaking changes between versionsmedium

v0.1 to v0.2 migration required rewriting chain definitions

Limited documentation and examples for complex use caseshigh

Official documentation lacks detailed explanations for advanced permission setups

Performance overhead due to runtime checksmedium

Runtime evaluation of permissions can slow down request processing in high-load scenarios

Fit analysis

Who is it for?

✓ Best for

Developers building secure web applications using Django who need fine-grained permission control without database overhead.

Projects requiring complex object-level permissions for enhanced data security.

✕ Not a fit for

Applications that require real-time updates to permissions

Scenarios where a database is necessary for storing and managing permissions

Cost structure

Pricing

Free Tier

Available

Open source — free to use

Starts at

$0

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

None

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Ecosystem

Relationships

Alternatives

Works well with

Next step

Get Started with django-rules

Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.

View Setup Guide →