Getting started with Django is an exciting journey into the world of web development. Django is a powerful Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. To build your first web application, you need to set up your development environment. Begin by installing Python, then Django itself using pip with the command pip install Django. Once installed, you can create your project by running django-admin startproject myproject, where myproject is the name of your application. This command scaffolds the necessary files and directory structure for your application.

After setting up your project, it's time to create your first web application. Navigate to your project directory and run python manage.py startapp myapp. This not only creates a new app but also gives you a chance to learn about Django's model-view-template (MVT) architecture. Next, you can define your models in models.py, configure your URL routes in urls.py, and develop views in views.py. Don’t forget to run python manage.py migrate to apply the initial database migrations. With these steps, you will be well on your way to deploying your first web application using Django!

Building scalable web applications with Django requires adherence to certain best practices that can enhance both performance and maintainability. One of the most crucial practices is proper project structure. Organize your Django app by separating models, views, templates, and static files into distinct folders. This not only makes your code cleaner but also helps teams collaborate effectively. Additionally, implementing cached database queries can significantly speed up response times, allowing your application to handle more traffic without compromising user experience.

Another essential practice is to leverage Django's built-in features to ensure security and efficiency. Always use Django's ModelForm for form creation to prevent errors and manage data validation effectively. Furthermore, consider deploying asynchronous task queues with Celery for handling background tasks, which keeps your web app responsive under load. Here are more best practices to consider:

1. Utilize environment variables for sensitive configurations
2. Implement pagination for large datasets
3. Optimize your database queries
4. Follow the DRY principle to reduce redundancy
5. Regularly update your dependencies

Django developers often encounter common errors that can be frustrating but are usually easy to resolve with the right approach. One frequent issue is the 'ImportError', which typically arises when Django cannot find a specific module. To troubleshoot this error, ensure that all necessary modules are correctly installed and that your PYTHONPATH is set to include your project directory. Additionally, check for typos in your import statements, as even a small mistake can lead to this error. If the problem persists, consider using the venv virtual environment to isolate your project dependencies.

Another common error is the 'OperationalError', which may occur when there's an issue connecting to the database. This can happen due to various reasons like incorrect database credentials or server shutdown. To resolve this, first verify the database settings in your settings.py file. Ensure that the DATABASES dictionary is correctly configured with the right USER, PASSWORD, HOST, and PORT. It's also advisable to check your database server status to confirm it is running. By systematically addressing these common pitfalls, you can enhance your Django development experience.