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+# GitHub Copilot Instructions for ninja-api-key
+
+## Project Overview
+
+This is a Django package that provides API Key authentication for [Django Ninja](https://django-ninja.dev/). It's a fork of django-ninja-apikey with enhanced security features and better Django integration.
+
+## Key Components
+
+### Core Models
+- `APIKey` model: Stores API keys with prefix, hashed key, user association, labels, expiration, and revocation status
+- Uses Django's password hashing system for secure key storage
+- Keys have format: `{prefix}.{key}` (8-char prefix + 56-char key)
+
+### Authentication
+- `APIKeyAuth` class extends Django Ninja's `APIKeyHeader`
+- Uses `X-API-Key` header for authentication
+- Integrates with Django's user system and permissions
+
+### Security Features
+- API keys are hashed using Django's `PASSWORD_HASHERS` setting
+- Keys can be expired, revoked, or associated with inactive users
+- Includes custom SHA256 hasher for performance when needed
+
+## Code Patterns
+
+### Django Integration
+- Follow Django's model patterns and conventions
+- Use `get_user_model()` for user model references
+- Leverage Django's admin interface for key management
+- Use Django's timezone utilities for datetime handling
+
+### Testing
+- Use pytest with pytest-django for testing
+- Test files are in `ninja_apikey/tests/`
+- Use parametrized tests for multiple scenarios
+- Mock Django settings with `@override_settings` decorator
+- Test security, models, admin, and hashers separately
+
+### Code Style
+- Use Black for code formatting (line length: 88)
+- Use Ruff for linting (select: E, F, I; ignore: E501)
+- Use isort with black profile for import sorting
+- Follow pre-commit hooks configuration for consistency
+
+## Development Patterns
+
+### Dependencies
+- Core: Django, django-ninja
+- Testing: pytest, pytest-django, pytest-cov
+- Optional: django[argon2,bcrypt] for enhanced password hashing
+
+### Key Generation
+- Use `get_random_string()` for secure random generation
+- Always hash keys before storage using `make_password()`
+- Return structured `KeyData` namedtuple for generated keys
+
+### Authentication Flow
+1. Extract API key from `X-API-Key` header
+2. Split into prefix and key components
+3. Look up APIKey record by prefix
+4. Verify key against hashed value using `check_password()`
+5. Validate key is not revoked and not expired
+6. Ensure associated user is active
+7. Set `request.user` and return user object
+
+## Common Use Cases
+
+### Basic API Protection
+```python
+from ninja import NinjaAPI
+from ninja_apikey.security import APIKeyAuth
+
+api = NinjaAPI(auth=APIKeyAuth())
+
+@api.get("/protected")
+def protected_endpoint(request):
+    return f"Hello, {request.user}!"
+```
+
+### Endpoint-Specific Protection
+```python
+from ninja_apikey.security import APIKeyAuth
+
+auth = APIKeyAuth()
+
+@api.get("/specific", auth=auth)
+def specific_endpoint(request):
+    return {"user": request.user.username}
+```
+
+### Performance Optimization
+```python
+# In settings.py for faster hashing
+PASSWORD_HASHERS = [
+    "ninja_apikey.hashers.SHA256PasswordHasher",
+    # ... other hashers
+]
+```
+
+## Testing Guidelines
+
+- Test security edge cases (invalid keys, expired keys, revoked keys)
+- Test Django admin integration and form handling
+- Test password hasher compatibility and migration
+- Use fixtures for creating test users and API keys
+- Mock external dependencies and Django settings when needed
+
+## File Structure
+- `models.py`: APIKey model definition
+- `security.py`: Authentication classes and key utilities
+- `admin.py`: Django admin integration
+- `hashers.py`: Custom password hashers
+- `tests/`: Comprehensive test suite
+- `migrations/`: Database migrations
+
+When working with this codebase, prioritize security, follow Django conventions, and ensure compatibility with the Django Ninja framework.