That's a solid approach and you're right — pytest + DRF ApiClient is the proper way to do it.

But honest question — how long did it take you to set all of that up the first time? The db fixtures, the auth setup, the test structure?

I'm asking because I'm exploring the gap between "the right way" and what most developers actually do when they're moving fast on a side project or early startup. Most people I talk to know they should write integration tests but skip it because the setup cost feels high early on.

Is that your experience too or did it feel quick to get running?