How to Reveal the Exact SQL Behind Django ORM Queries

While Django ORM simplifies database access, understanding the underlying SQL can greatly improve query performance. Below are three useful methods to view the SQL statements Django executes.

1. Use the queryset’s query attribute

This is the simplest way to see the raw SQL for a queryset.

>> queryset = Organization.objects.all()
>>> print(queryset.query)
SELECT "app_organization"."id", "app_organization"."name", "app_organization"."created", "app_organization"."updated" FROM "app_organization"
>>> str(queryset.query)
'SELECT "app_organization"."id", "app_organization"."name", "app_organization"."created", "app_organization"."updated" FROM "app_organization"'

2. Use Django connection

This method provides the executed SQL and the time taken (in seconds). Ensure DEBUG = True in settings.py.

>> from django.db import connection, reset_queries
>>> Organization.objects.all()
>>> connection.queries
[{'sql': 'SELECT "app_organization"."id", "app_organization"."name", "app_organization"."created", "app_organization"."updated" FROM "app_organization"  LIMIT 21', 'time': '0.001'}]
>>> reset_queries()
[]

Note: reset_queries() can be called at any time to clear the query list.

3. Django Debug Toolbar

The Debug Toolbar displays detailed request/response information, including all SQL queries. Install it with: pip install django-debug-toolbar Then configure your project:

# settings.py
DEBUG = True
INSTALLED_APPS = [
    'debug_toolbar',
    # ... other apps
]
MIDDLEWARE = [
    # ... other middleware
    'debug_toolbar.middleware.DebugToolbarMiddleware',
]
INTERNAL_IPS = [
    '127.0.0.1',
]

Add the toolbar URLs to your URL configuration:

import debug_toolbar
from django.conf import settings
from django.urls import include, path
urlpatterns = [
    # ... existing patterns
    path('__debug__/', include(debug_toolbar.urls)),
]

When enabled, the toolbar appears in the browser and shows each SQL query executed for the current request.

Article originally from Python运维技术 (copyright belongs to the original author).