Getting Started with Django can be an exciting journey for beginners aiming to build robust web applications. Django, a high-level Python web framework, promotes rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. This guide will walk you through the fundamental concepts, starting with installation and setup. First, ensure you have Python installed on your machine. Then, open your terminal and execute the command: pip install django. Once installed, you can create your first project by running django-admin startproject myproject in your desired directory. This command will generate a new folder with the necessary files to kickstart your web app.

As you delve deeper, familiarize yourself with Django's built-in features, such as its powerful ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for database integration and its templating engine for dynamic content presentation. To achieve this, follow these steps:

1. Define your data models in models.py.
2. Run python manage.py makemigrations and python manage.py migrate to create your database.
3. Utilize the Django Admin interface for easy data management, which can be accessed by running python manage.py runserver.

When developing applications with Django, adhering to best practices is crucial for ensuring that your code remains clean and maintainable. Here are the top 10 best practices to follow:

1. Follow the DRY Principle: Avoid duplicating code by utilizing Django's built-in features and reusable apps.
2. Use Model Managers: Encapsulate your data access logic by using custom model managers.
3. Keep Views Clean: Implement views in a way that separates business logic from presentation.
4. Write Tests: Create unit tests for your views, models, and forms to ensure reliability.
5. Utilize Django Admin: Leverage the built-in admin interface for a quick way to manage data.
6. Organize Your Files: Structure your project files logically to enhance navigability and collaboration.
7. Use Virtual Environments: Keep dependencies isolated with virtual environments to avoid conflicts.
8. Employ Middleware Wisely: Add custom middleware where necessary for processing requests and responses efficiently.
9. Utilize Caching: Implement caching strategies to enhance performance for heavy-loaded views.
10. Document Your Code: Use docstrings and comments to keep your code understandable for other developers.

When working with Django, developers often encounter common challenges that can hinder the web development process. One significant issue is configuration errors, which can arise from misconfigured settings or incorrect database connections. To tackle this, it is crucial to thoroughly check the settings.py file, ensuring that all necessary parameters are correctly defined. Additionally, make sure to read the error messages carefully, as they often provide clues about what went wrong.

Another obstacle many face in Django development is template rendering issues. It's not uncommon for templates to fail to load or display unexpected outputs. To resolve this, start by verifying that all template paths are correctly set up in your project and that your context variables are passed accurately. Utilizing the render function and utilizing Django's built-in debugging tools can also be invaluable in identifying and fixing these template-related challenges. Staying vigilant and testing frequently will help you maintain a smooth development experience.