Getting Started with Django can be an exciting journey for beginners looking to develop robust web applications using Python. Django is a high-level web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. To kick off your journey, start by setting up your development environment. You will need to install Python, as Django is built on it. Use the following steps to get started:

1. Install Python from the official website.
2. Set up a virtual environment to manage your packages.
3. Install Django using pip with the command pip install Django.

Once you have everything in place, you can create your first Django project! Open your terminal and navigate to your desired project directory. Run the command django-admin startproject myproject to create a new project. After that, change into your project directory and start the development server with python manage.py runserver. By visiting http://127.0.0.1:8000/ in your web browser, you will see your new Django project in action. This is just the beginning; explore the Django documentation to learn more about models, views, and templates to build dynamic web applications.

Django is a powerful web framework that simplifies web development by providing a rich set of features out of the box. Here are the top 10 Django features that you need to know:

1. Object-Relational Mapping (ORM): Django's ORM allows developers to interact with the database using Python code instead of SQL.
2. Admin Interface: One of the standout features of Django is its automatically generated admin interface, which makes it easy to manage application data.
3. URL Routing: Django's URL routing enables clean, human-readable URLs, enhancing both SEO and user experience.
4. Security Features: Django includes built-in protection against many common web vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and clickjacking.
5. Template System: Django's templating engine promotes clean separation of design and code, allowing for easy customization.

Continuing with the top 10 Django features, here are the remaining highlights:

6. Middleware Support: Django's middleware features allow developers to process requests globally before they reach the view functions.
7. Scalability: Django is designed to help developers create scalable applications, making it suitable for both small and large projects.
8. Testing Framework: Django comes with a built-in testing framework that facilitates the creation of unit tests, ensuring code reliability and performance.
9. Support for Multiple Databases: Developers can use Django with several database backends, enhancing flexibility.
10. Community and Ecosystem: Django boasts a strong community and a wealth of third-party packages, making it easier to extend functionality.

Django is a powerful web framework that enables developers to build scalable and robust web applications efficiently. To kickstart your project, you should first set up a proper development environment. Install Django using pip install Django and create a new project by running django-admin startproject myproject. Once your project is created, it’s essential to organize your application into smaller, manageable components. Utilize Django's app structure by creating individual apps for different functionalities, such as user authentication, blogs, or e-commerce. This modular approach not only enhances code readability but also makes maintenance easier in the long run.

Next, focus on implementing the Model-View-Template (MVT) architecture that Django offers. Start by defining your data models in models.py, followed by setting up views in views.py that encapsulate your business logic. Finally, create HTML templates that will render the user interface. Don't forget to leverage Django’s built-in admin panel for easy management of your database entries. Additionally, for improved performance and user experience, consider implementing caching strategies and utilizing Django's robust security features to protect your application from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.