Environment-first settings. Sensible auth defaults. Structured logging. CI from day zero. Pre-commit hooks. Docker. Security hardening. Every project meant two days of boilerplate before writing business logic.

So I built Django Keel: a production-ready Django starter that eliminates the yak-shaving. GitHub: https://github.com/CuriousLearner/django-keel

*What you get*:

- 12-factor config with environment-based secrets - Production-hardened security defaults - Pre-wired linting, formatting, testing, pre-commit hooks - CI workflow ready to go - Clear project structure that scales - Documentation with real trade-offs explained

*Background*:

I maintained a popular cookiecutter template for years. Django Keel is what that should've been from the start—battle-tested patterns without the accumulated cruft.

*Who it's for*:

Teams and solo builders shipping Django to production who want a strong baseline without tech debt. Feedback welcome on what works, what doesn't, and what's missing. Issues and PRs appreciated.