Add comprehensive API documentation for ThrillWiki integration and features

- Introduced Next.js integration guide for ThrillWiki API, detailing authentication, core domain APIs, data structures, and implementation patterns.
- Documented the migration to Rich Choice Objects, highlighting changes for frontend developers and enhanced metadata availability.
- Fixed the missing `get_by_slug` method in the Ride model, ensuring proper functionality of ride detail endpoints.
- Created a test script to verify manufacturer syncing with ride models, ensuring data integrity across related models.

backend/apps/core/__init__.py

@@ -1 +1,12 @@
-default_app_config = "apps.core.apps.CoreConfig"
+"""
+Core Django App
+
+This app handles core system functionality including health checks,
+system status, and other foundational features.
+"""
+
+# Import core choices to ensure they are registered with the global registry
+from .choices import core_choices
+
+# Ensure choices are registered on app startup
+__all__ = ['core_choices']

backend/apps/core/choices/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+"""
+Rich Choice Objects System
+
+This module provides a comprehensive system for managing choice fields throughout
+the ThrillWiki application. It replaces simple tuple-based choices with rich
+dataclass objects that support metadata, descriptions, categories, and deprecation.
+
+Key Components:
+- RichChoice: Base dataclass for choice objects
+- ChoiceRegistry: Centralized management of all choice definitions
+- RichChoiceField: Django model field for rich choices
+- RichChoiceSerializer: DRF serializer for API responses
+"""
+
+from .base import RichChoice, ChoiceCategory, ChoiceGroup
+from .registry import ChoiceRegistry, register_choices
+from .fields import RichChoiceField
+from .serializers import RichChoiceSerializer, RichChoiceOptionSerializer
+from .utils import validate_choice_value, get_choice_display
+
+__all__ = [
+    'RichChoice',
+    'ChoiceCategory',
+    'ChoiceGroup',
+    'ChoiceRegistry',
+    'register_choices',
+    'RichChoiceField',
+    'RichChoiceSerializer',
+    'RichChoiceOptionSerializer',
+    'validate_choice_value',
+    'get_choice_display',
+]

backend/apps/core/choices/base.py

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+"""
+Base Rich Choice Objects
+
+This module defines the core dataclass structures for rich choice objects.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
+from enum import Enum
+
+
+class ChoiceCategory(Enum):
+    """Categories for organizing choice types"""
+    STATUS = "status"
+    TYPE = "type"
+    CLASSIFICATION = "classification"
+    PREFERENCE = "preference"
+    PERMISSION = "permission"
+    PRIORITY = "priority"
+    ACTION = "action"
+    NOTIFICATION = "notification"
+    MODERATION = "moderation"
+    TECHNICAL = "technical"
+    BUSINESS = "business"
+    SECURITY = "security"
+    OTHER = "other"
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class RichChoice:
+    """
+    Rich choice object with metadata support.
+    
+    This replaces simple tuple choices with a comprehensive object that can
+    carry additional information like descriptions, colors, icons, and custom metadata.
+    
+    Attributes:
+        value: The stored value (equivalent to first element of tuple choice)
+        label: Human-readable display name (equivalent to second element of tuple choice)
+        description: Detailed description of what this choice means
+        metadata: Dictionary of additional properties (colors, icons, etc.)
+        deprecated: Whether this choice is deprecated and should not be used for new entries
+        category: Category for organizing related choices
+    """
+    value: str
+    label: str
+    description: str = ""
+    metadata: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    deprecated: bool = False
+    category: ChoiceCategory = ChoiceCategory.OTHER
+    
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        """Validate the choice object after initialization"""
+        if not self.value:
+            raise ValueError("Choice value cannot be empty")
+        if not self.label:
+            raise ValueError("Choice label cannot be empty")
+    
+    @property
+    def color(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        """Get the color from metadata if available"""
+        return self.metadata.get('color')
+    
+    @property
+    def icon(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        """Get the icon from metadata if available"""
+        return self.metadata.get('icon')
+    
+    @property
+    def css_class(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        """Get the CSS class from metadata if available"""
+        return self.metadata.get('css_class')
+    
+    @property
+    def sort_order(self) -> int:
+        """Get the sort order from metadata, defaulting to 0"""
+        return self.metadata.get('sort_order', 0)
+    
+    
+    def to_dict(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert to dictionary representation for API serialization"""
+        return {
+            'value': self.value,
+            'label': self.label,
+            'description': self.description,
+            'metadata': self.metadata,
+            'deprecated': self.deprecated,
+            'category': self.category.value,
+            'color': self.color,
+            'icon': self.icon,
+            'css_class': self.css_class,
+            'sort_order': self.sort_order,
+        }
+    
+    
+    def __str__(self) -> str:
+        return self.label
+    
+    def __repr__(self) -> str:
+        return f"RichChoice(value='{self.value}', label='{self.label}')"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ChoiceGroup:
+    """
+    A group of related choices with shared metadata.
+    
+    This allows for organizing choices into logical groups with
+    common properties and behaviors.
+    """
+    name: str
+    choices: list[RichChoice]
+    description: str = ""
+    metadata: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        """Validate the choice group after initialization"""
+        if not self.name:
+            raise ValueError("Choice group name cannot be empty")
+        if not self.choices:
+            raise ValueError("Choice group must contain at least one choice")
+        
+        # Validate that all choice values are unique within the group
+        values = [choice.value for choice in self.choices]
+        if len(values) != len(set(values)):
+            raise ValueError("All choice values within a group must be unique")
+    
+    def get_choice(self, value: str) -> Optional[RichChoice]:
+        """Get a choice by its value"""
+        for choice in self.choices:
+            if choice.value == value:
+                return choice
+        return None
+    
+    def get_choices_by_category(self, category: ChoiceCategory) -> list[RichChoice]:
+        """Get all choices in a specific category"""
+        return [choice for choice in self.choices if choice.category == category]
+    
+    def get_active_choices(self) -> list[RichChoice]:
+        """Get all non-deprecated choices"""
+        return [choice for choice in self.choices if not choice.deprecated]
+    
+    def to_tuple_choices(self) -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
+        """Convert to legacy tuple choices format"""
+        return [(choice.value, choice.label) for choice in self.choices]
+    
+    def to_dict(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert to dictionary representation for API serialization"""
+        return {
+            'name': self.name,
+            'description': self.description,
+            'metadata': self.metadata,
+            'choices': [choice.to_dict() for choice in self.choices]
+        }

backend/apps/core/choices/core_choices.py

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+"""
+Core System Rich Choice Objects
+
+This module defines all choice objects for core system functionality,
+including health checks, API statuses, and other system-level choices.
+"""
+
+from .base import RichChoice, ChoiceCategory
+from .registry import register_choices
+
+
+# Health Check Status Choices
+HEALTH_STATUSES = [
+    RichChoice(
+        value="healthy",
+        label="Healthy",
+        description="System is operating normally with no issues detected",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'green',
+            'icon': 'check-circle',
+            'css_class': 'bg-green-100 text-green-800',
+            'sort_order': 1,
+            'http_status': 200
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.STATUS
+    ),
+    RichChoice(
+        value="unhealthy",
+        label="Unhealthy",
+        description="System has detected issues that may affect functionality",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'red',
+            'icon': 'x-circle',
+            'css_class': 'bg-red-100 text-red-800',
+            'sort_order': 2,
+            'http_status': 503
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.STATUS
+    ),
+]
+
+# Simple Health Check Status Choices
+SIMPLE_HEALTH_STATUSES = [
+    RichChoice(
+        value="ok",
+        label="OK",
+        description="Basic health check passed",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'green',
+            'icon': 'check',
+            'css_class': 'bg-green-100 text-green-800',
+            'sort_order': 1,
+            'http_status': 200
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.STATUS
+    ),
+    RichChoice(
+        value="error",
+        label="Error",
+        description="Basic health check failed",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'red',
+            'icon': 'x',
+            'css_class': 'bg-red-100 text-red-800',
+            'sort_order': 2,
+            'http_status': 500
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.STATUS
+    ),
+]
+
+# Entity Type Choices for Search
+ENTITY_TYPES = [
+    RichChoice(
+        value="park",
+        label="Park",
+        description="Theme parks and amusement parks",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'green',
+            'icon': 'map-pin',
+            'css_class': 'bg-green-100 text-green-800',
+            'sort_order': 1,
+            'search_weight': 1.0
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.CLASSIFICATION
+    ),
+    RichChoice(
+        value="ride",
+        label="Ride",
+        description="Individual rides and attractions",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'blue',
+            'icon': 'activity',
+            'css_class': 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800',
+            'sort_order': 2,
+            'search_weight': 1.0
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.CLASSIFICATION
+    ),
+    RichChoice(
+        value="company",
+        label="Company",
+        description="Manufacturers, operators, and designers",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'purple',
+            'icon': 'building',
+            'css_class': 'bg-purple-100 text-purple-800',
+            'sort_order': 3,
+            'search_weight': 0.8
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.CLASSIFICATION
+    ),
+    RichChoice(
+        value="user",
+        label="User",
+        description="User profiles and accounts",
+        metadata={
+            'color': 'orange',
+            'icon': 'user',
+            'css_class': 'bg-orange-100 text-orange-800',
+            'sort_order': 4,
+            'search_weight': 0.5
+        },
+        category=ChoiceCategory.CLASSIFICATION
+    ),
+]
+
+
+def register_core_choices():
+    """Register all core system choices with the global registry"""
+    
+    register_choices(
+        name="health_statuses",
+        choices=HEALTH_STATUSES,
+        domain="core",
+        description="Health check status options",
+        metadata={'domain': 'core', 'type': 'health_status'}
+    )
+    
+    register_choices(
+        name="simple_health_statuses",
+        choices=SIMPLE_HEALTH_STATUSES,
+        domain="core",
+        description="Simple health check status options",
+        metadata={'domain': 'core', 'type': 'simple_health_status'}
+    )
+    
+    register_choices(
+        name="entity_types",
+        choices=ENTITY_TYPES,
+        domain="core",
+        description="Entity type classifications for search functionality",
+        metadata={'domain': 'core', 'type': 'entity_type'}
+    )
+
+
+# Auto-register choices when module is imported
+register_core_choices()

backend/apps/core/choices/fields.py

@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+"""
+Django Model Fields for Rich Choices
+
+This module provides Django model field implementations for rich choice objects.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any, Optional
+from django.db import models
+from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
+from django.forms import ChoiceField
+from .base import RichChoice
+from .registry import registry
+
+
+class RichChoiceField(models.CharField):
+    """
+    Django model field for rich choice objects.
+    
+    This field stores the choice value as a CharField but provides
+    rich choice functionality through the registry system.
+    """
+    
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        choice_group: str,
+        domain: str = "core",
+        max_length: int = 50,
+        allow_deprecated: bool = False,
+        **kwargs
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize the RichChoiceField.
+        
+        Args:
+            choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+            domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+            max_length: Maximum length for the stored value
+            allow_deprecated: Whether to allow deprecated choices
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to CharField
+        """
+        self.choice_group = choice_group
+        self.domain = domain
+        self.allow_deprecated = allow_deprecated
+        
+        # Set choices from registry for Django admin and forms
+        if self.allow_deprecated:
+            choices_list = registry.get_choices(choice_group, domain)
+        else:
+            choices_list = registry.get_active_choices(choice_group, domain)
+        
+        choices = [(choice.value, choice.label) for choice in choices_list]
+        
+        kwargs['choices'] = choices
+        kwargs['max_length'] = max_length
+        
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+    
+    def validate(self, value: Any, model_instance: Any) -> None:
+        """Validate the choice value"""
+        super().validate(value, model_instance)
+        
+        if value is None or value == '':
+            return
+        
+        # Check if choice exists in registry
+        choice = registry.get_choice(self.choice_group, value, self.domain)
+        if choice is None:
+            raise ValidationError(
+                f"'{value}' is not a valid choice for {self.choice_group}"
+            )
+        
+        # Check if deprecated choices are allowed
+        if choice.deprecated and not self.allow_deprecated:
+            raise ValidationError(
+                f"'{value}' is deprecated and cannot be used for new entries"
+            )
+    
+    def get_rich_choice(self, value: str) -> Optional[RichChoice]:
+        """Get the RichChoice object for a value"""
+        return registry.get_choice(self.choice_group, value, self.domain)
+    
+    def get_choice_display(self, value: str) -> str:
+        """Get the display label for a choice value"""
+        return registry.get_choice_display(self.choice_group, value, self.domain)
+    
+    def contribute_to_class(self, cls: Any, name: str, private_only: bool = False, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
+        """Add helper methods to the model class (signature compatible with Django Field)"""
+        super().contribute_to_class(cls, name, private_only=private_only, **kwargs)
+        
+        # Add get_FOO_rich_choice method
+        def get_rich_choice_method(instance):
+            value = getattr(instance, name)
+            return self.get_rich_choice(value) if value else None
+        
+        setattr(cls, f'get_{name}_rich_choice', get_rich_choice_method)
+        
+        # Add get_FOO_display method (Django provides this, but we enhance it)
+        def get_display_method(instance):
+            value = getattr(instance, name)
+            return self.get_choice_display(value) if value else ''
+        
+        setattr(cls, f'get_{name}_display', get_display_method)
+    
+    def deconstruct(self):
+        """Support for Django migrations"""
+        name, path, args, kwargs = super().deconstruct()
+        kwargs['choice_group'] = self.choice_group
+        kwargs['domain'] = self.domain
+        kwargs['allow_deprecated'] = self.allow_deprecated
+        return name, path, args, kwargs
+
+
+class RichChoiceFormField(ChoiceField):
+    """
+    Form field for rich choices with enhanced functionality.
+    """
+    
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        choice_group: str,
+        domain: str = "core",
+        allow_deprecated: bool = False,
+        show_descriptions: bool = False,
+        **kwargs
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize the form field.
+        
+        Args:
+            choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+            domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+            allow_deprecated: Whether to allow deprecated choices
+            show_descriptions: Whether to show descriptions in choice labels
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to ChoiceField
+        """
+        self.choice_group = choice_group
+        self.domain = domain
+        self.allow_deprecated = allow_deprecated
+        self.show_descriptions = show_descriptions
+        
+        # Get choices from registry
+        if allow_deprecated:
+            choices_list = registry.get_choices(choice_group, domain)
+        else:
+            choices_list = registry.get_active_choices(choice_group, domain)
+        
+        # Format choices for display
+        choices = []
+        for choice in choices_list:
+            label = choice.label
+            if show_descriptions and choice.description:
+                label = f"{choice.label} - {choice.description}"
+            choices.append((choice.value, label))
+        
+        kwargs['choices'] = choices
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+    
+    def validate(self, value: Any) -> None:
+        """Validate the choice value"""
+        super().validate(value)
+        
+        if value is None or value == '':
+            return
+        
+        # Check if choice exists in registry
+        choice = registry.get_choice(self.choice_group, value, self.domain)
+        if choice is None:
+            raise ValidationError(
+                f"'{value}' is not a valid choice for {self.choice_group}"
+            )
+        
+        # Check if deprecated choices are allowed
+        if choice.deprecated and not self.allow_deprecated:
+            raise ValidationError(
+                f"'{value}' is deprecated and cannot be used"
+            )
+
+
+def create_rich_choice_field(
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core",
+    max_length: int = 50,
+    allow_deprecated: bool = False,
+    **kwargs
+) -> RichChoiceField:
+    """
+    Factory function to create a RichChoiceField.
+    
+    This is useful for creating fields with consistent settings
+    across multiple models.
+    """
+    return RichChoiceField(
+        choice_group=choice_group,
+        domain=domain,
+        max_length=max_length,
+        allow_deprecated=allow_deprecated,
+        **kwargs
+    )

backend/apps/core/choices/registry.py

@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+"""
+Choice Registry
+
+Centralized registry for managing all choice definitions across the application.
+"""
+
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
+from django.core.exceptions import ImproperlyConfigured
+from .base import RichChoice, ChoiceGroup
+
+
+class ChoiceRegistry:
+    """
+    Centralized registry for managing all choice definitions.
+    
+    This provides a single source of truth for all choice objects
+    throughout the application, with support for namespacing by domain.
+    """
+    
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._choices: Dict[str, ChoiceGroup] = {}
+        self._domains: Dict[str, List[str]] = {}
+    
+    def register(
+        self, 
+        name: str, 
+        choices: List[RichChoice], 
+        domain: str = "core",
+        description: str = "",
+        metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
+    ) -> ChoiceGroup:
+        """
+        Register a group of choices.
+        
+        Args:
+            name: Unique name for the choice group
+            choices: List of RichChoice objects
+            domain: Domain namespace (e.g., 'rides', 'parks', 'accounts')
+            description: Description of the choice group
+            metadata: Additional metadata for the group
+            
+        Returns:
+            The registered ChoiceGroup
+            
+        Raises:
+            ImproperlyConfigured: If name is already registered with different choices
+        """
+        full_name = f"{domain}.{name}"
+        
+        if full_name in self._choices:
+            # Check if the existing registration is identical
+            existing_group = self._choices[full_name]
+            existing_values = [choice.value for choice in existing_group.choices]
+            new_values = [choice.value for choice in choices]
+            
+            if existing_values == new_values:
+                # Same choices, return existing group (allow duplicate registration)
+                return existing_group
+            else:
+                # Different choices, this is an error
+                raise ImproperlyConfigured(
+                    f"Choice group '{full_name}' is already registered with different choices. "
+                    f"Existing: {existing_values}, New: {new_values}"
+                )
+        
+        choice_group = ChoiceGroup(
+            name=full_name,
+            choices=choices,
+            description=description,
+            metadata=metadata or {}
+        )
+        
+        self._choices[full_name] = choice_group
+        
+        # Track domain
+        if domain not in self._domains:
+            self._domains[domain] = []
+        self._domains[domain].append(name)
+        
+        return choice_group
+    
+    def get(self, name: str, domain: str = "core") -> Optional[ChoiceGroup]:
+        """Get a choice group by name and domain"""
+        full_name = f"{domain}.{name}"
+        return self._choices.get(full_name)
+    
+    def get_choice(self, group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> Optional[RichChoice]:
+        """Get a specific choice by group name, value, and domain"""
+        choice_group = self.get(group_name, domain)
+        if choice_group:
+            return choice_group.get_choice(value)
+        return None
+    
+    def get_choices(self, name: str, domain: str = "core") -> List[RichChoice]:
+        """Get all choices in a group"""
+        choice_group = self.get(name, domain)
+        return choice_group.choices if choice_group else []
+    
+    def get_active_choices(self, name: str, domain: str = "core") -> List[RichChoice]:
+        """Get all non-deprecated choices in a group"""
+        choice_group = self.get(name, domain)
+        return choice_group.get_active_choices() if choice_group else []
+    
+    
+    def get_domains(self) -> List[str]:
+        """Get all registered domains"""
+        return list(self._domains.keys())
+    
+    def get_domain_choices(self, domain: str) -> Dict[str, ChoiceGroup]:
+        """Get all choice groups for a specific domain"""
+        if domain not in self._domains:
+            return {}
+        
+        return {
+            name: self._choices[f"{domain}.{name}"]
+            for name in self._domains[domain]
+        }
+    
+    def list_all(self) -> Dict[str, ChoiceGroup]:
+        """Get all registered choice groups"""
+        return self._choices.copy()
+    
+    def validate_choice(self, group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> bool:
+        """Validate that a choice value exists in a group"""
+        choice = self.get_choice(group_name, value, domain)
+        return choice is not None and not choice.deprecated
+    
+    def get_choice_display(self, group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> str:
+        """Get the display label for a choice value"""
+        choice = self.get_choice(group_name, value, domain)
+        if choice:
+            return choice.label
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(f"Choice value '{value}' not found in group '{group_name}' for domain '{domain}'")
+    
+    def clear_domain(self, domain: str) -> None:
+        """Clear all choices for a specific domain (useful for testing)"""
+        if domain in self._domains:
+            for name in self._domains[domain]:
+                full_name = f"{domain}.{name}"
+                if full_name in self._choices:
+                    del self._choices[full_name]
+            del self._domains[domain]
+    
+    def clear_all(self) -> None:
+        """Clear all registered choices (useful for testing)"""
+        self._choices.clear()
+        self._domains.clear()
+
+
+# Global registry instance
+registry = ChoiceRegistry()
+
+
+def register_choices(
+    name: str,
+    choices: List[RichChoice],
+    domain: str = "core",
+    description: str = "",
+    metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
+) -> ChoiceGroup:
+    """
+    Convenience function to register choices with the global registry.
+    
+    Args:
+        name: Unique name for the choice group
+        choices: List of RichChoice objects
+        domain: Domain namespace
+        description: Description of the choice group
+        metadata: Additional metadata for the group
+        
+    Returns:
+        The registered ChoiceGroup
+    """
+    return registry.register(name, choices, domain, description, metadata)
+
+
+def get_choices(name: str, domain: str = "core") -> List[RichChoice]:
+    """Get choices from the global registry"""
+    return registry.get_choices(name, domain)
+
+
+def get_choice(group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> Optional[RichChoice]:
+    """Get a specific choice from the global registry"""
+    return registry.get_choice(group_name, value, domain)
+
+
+
+
+def validate_choice(group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> bool:
+    """Validate a choice value using the global registry"""
+    return registry.validate_choice(group_name, value, domain)
+
+
+def get_choice_display(group_name: str, value: str, domain: str = "core") -> str:
+    """Get choice display label using the global registry"""
+    return registry.get_choice_display(group_name, value, domain)

backend/apps/core/choices/serializers.py

@@ -0,0 +1,275 @@
+"""
+DRF Serializers for Rich Choices
+
+This module provides Django REST Framework serializer implementations
+for rich choice objects.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any, Dict, List
+from rest_framework import serializers
+from .base import RichChoice, ChoiceGroup
+from .registry import registry
+
+
+class RichChoiceSerializer(serializers.Serializer):
+    """
+    Serializer for individual RichChoice objects.
+    
+    This provides a consistent API representation for choice objects
+    with all their metadata.
+    """
+    value = serializers.CharField()
+    label = serializers.CharField()
+    description = serializers.CharField()
+    metadata = serializers.DictField()
+    deprecated = serializers.BooleanField()
+    category = serializers.CharField()
+    color = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True)
+    icon = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True)
+    css_class = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True)
+    sort_order = serializers.IntegerField()
+    
+    def to_representation(self, instance: RichChoice) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert RichChoice to dictionary representation"""
+        return instance.to_dict()
+
+
+class RichChoiceOptionSerializer(serializers.Serializer):
+    """
+    Serializer for choice options in filter endpoints.
+    
+    This replaces the legacy FilterOptionSerializer with rich choice support.
+    """
+    value = serializers.CharField()
+    label = serializers.CharField()
+    description = serializers.CharField(allow_blank=True)
+    count = serializers.IntegerField(required=False, allow_null=True)
+    selected = serializers.BooleanField(default=False)
+    deprecated = serializers.BooleanField(default=False)
+    color = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True, required=False)
+    icon = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True, required=False)
+    css_class = serializers.CharField(allow_null=True, required=False)
+    metadata = serializers.DictField(required=False)
+    
+    def to_representation(self, instance) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert choice option to dictionary representation"""
+        if isinstance(instance, RichChoice):
+            # Convert RichChoice to option format
+            return {
+                'value': instance.value,
+                'label': instance.label,
+                'description': instance.description,
+                'count': None,
+                'selected': False,
+                'deprecated': instance.deprecated,
+                'color': instance.color,
+                'icon': instance.icon,
+                'css_class': instance.css_class,
+                'metadata': instance.metadata,
+            }
+        elif isinstance(instance, dict):
+            # Handle dictionary input (for backwards compatibility)
+            return {
+                'value': instance.get('value', ''),
+                'label': instance.get('label', ''),
+                'description': instance.get('description', ''),
+                'count': instance.get('count'),
+                'selected': instance.get('selected', False),
+                'deprecated': instance.get('deprecated', False),
+                'color': instance.get('color'),
+                'icon': instance.get('icon'),
+                'css_class': instance.get('css_class'),
+                'metadata': instance.get('metadata', {}),
+            }
+        else:
+            return super().to_representation(instance)
+
+
+class ChoiceGroupSerializer(serializers.Serializer):
+    """
+    Serializer for ChoiceGroup objects.
+    
+    This provides API representation for entire choice groups
+    with all their choices and metadata.
+    """
+    name = serializers.CharField()
+    description = serializers.CharField()
+    metadata = serializers.DictField()
+    choices = RichChoiceSerializer(many=True)
+    
+    def to_representation(self, instance: ChoiceGroup) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert ChoiceGroup to dictionary representation"""
+        return instance.to_dict()
+
+
+class RichChoiceFieldSerializer(serializers.CharField):
+    """
+    Serializer field for rich choice values.
+    
+    This field serializes the choice value but can optionally
+    include rich choice metadata in the response.
+    """
+    
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        choice_group: str,
+        domain: str = "core",
+        include_metadata: bool = False,
+        **kwargs
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize the serializer field.
+        
+        Args:
+            choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+            domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+            include_metadata: Whether to include rich choice metadata
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to CharField
+        """
+        self.choice_group = choice_group
+        self.domain = domain
+        self.include_metadata = include_metadata
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+    
+    def to_representation(self, value: str) -> Any:
+        """Convert choice value to representation"""
+        if not value:
+            return value
+        
+        if self.include_metadata:
+            # Return rich choice object
+            choice = registry.get_choice(self.choice_group, value, self.domain)
+            if choice:
+                return RichChoiceSerializer(choice).data
+            else:
+                # Fallback for unknown values
+                return {
+                    'value': value,
+                    'label': value,
+                    'description': '',
+                    'metadata': {},
+                    'deprecated': False,
+                    'category': 'other',
+                    'color': None,
+                    'icon': None,
+                    'css_class': None,
+                    'sort_order': 0,
+                }
+        else:
+            # Return just the value
+            return value
+    
+    def to_internal_value(self, data: Any) -> str:
+        """Convert input data to choice value"""
+        if isinstance(data, dict) and 'value' in data:
+            # Handle rich choice object input
+            return data['value']
+        else:
+            # Handle string input
+            return super().to_internal_value(data)
+
+
+def create_choice_options_serializer(
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core",
+    include_counts: bool = False,
+    queryset=None,
+    count_field: str = 'id'
+) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """
+    Create choice options for filter endpoints.
+    
+    This function generates choice options with optional counts
+    for use in filter metadata endpoints.
+    
+    Args:
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        include_counts: Whether to include counts for each option
+        queryset: QuerySet to count against (required if include_counts=True)
+        count_field: Field to filter on for counting (default: 'id')
+        
+    Returns:
+        List of choice option dictionaries
+    """
+    choices = registry.get_active_choices(choice_group, domain)
+    options = []
+    
+    for choice in choices:
+        option_data = {
+            'value': choice.value,
+            'label': choice.label,
+            'description': choice.description,
+            'selected': False,
+            'deprecated': choice.deprecated,
+            'color': choice.color,
+            'icon': choice.icon,
+            'css_class': choice.css_class,
+            'metadata': choice.metadata,
+        }
+        
+        if include_counts and queryset is not None:
+            # Count items for this choice
+            try:
+                count = queryset.filter(**{count_field: choice.value}).count()
+                option_data['count'] = count
+            except Exception:
+                # If counting fails, set count to None
+                option_data['count'] = None
+        else:
+            option_data['count'] = None
+        
+        options.append(option_data)
+    
+    # Sort by sort_order, then by label
+    options.sort(key=lambda x: (
+        (lambda c: c.sort_order if (c is not None and hasattr(c, 'sort_order')) else 0)(
+            registry.get_choice(choice_group, x['value'], domain)
+        ),
+         x['label']
+     ))
+    
+    return options
+
+
+def serialize_choice_value(
+    value: str,
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core",
+    include_metadata: bool = False
+) -> Any:
+    """
+    Serialize a single choice value.
+    
+    Args:
+        value: The choice value to serialize
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        include_metadata: Whether to include rich choice metadata
+        
+    Returns:
+        Serialized choice value (string or rich object)
+    """
+    if not value:
+        return value
+    
+    if include_metadata:
+        choice = registry.get_choice(choice_group, value, domain)
+        if choice:
+            return RichChoiceSerializer(choice).data
+        else:
+            # Fallback for unknown values
+            return {
+                'value': value,
+                'label': value,
+                'description': '',
+                'metadata': {},
+                'deprecated': False,
+                'category': 'other',
+                'color': None,
+                'icon': None,
+                'css_class': None,
+                'sort_order': 0,
+            }
+    else:
+        return value

backend/apps/core/choices/utils.py

@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+"""
+Utility Functions for Rich Choices
+
+This module provides utility functions for working with rich choice objects.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
+from .base import RichChoice, ChoiceCategory
+from .registry import registry
+
+
+def validate_choice_value(
+    value: str,
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core",
+    allow_deprecated: bool = False
+) -> bool:
+    """
+    Validate that a choice value is valid for a given choice group.
+    
+    Args:
+        value: The choice value to validate
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        allow_deprecated: Whether to allow deprecated choices
+        
+    Returns:
+        True if valid, False otherwise
+    """
+    if not value:
+        return True  # Allow empty values (handled by field's null/blank settings)
+    
+    choice = registry.get_choice(choice_group, value, domain)
+    if choice is None:
+        return False
+    
+    if choice.deprecated and not allow_deprecated:
+        return False
+    
+    return True
+
+
+def get_choice_display(
+    value: str,
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core"
+) -> str:
+    """
+    Get the display label for a choice value.
+    
+    Args:
+        value: The choice value
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        
+    Returns:
+        Display label for the choice
+        
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If the choice value is not found in the registry
+    """
+    if not value:
+        return ""
+    
+    choice = registry.get_choice(choice_group, value, domain)
+    if choice:
+        return choice.label
+    else:
+        raise ValueError(f"Choice value '{value}' not found in group '{choice_group}' for domain '{domain}'")
+
+
+
+
+def create_status_choices(
+    statuses: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]],
+    category: ChoiceCategory = ChoiceCategory.STATUS
+) -> List[RichChoice]:
+    """
+    Create status choices with consistent color coding.
+    
+    Args:
+        statuses: Dictionary mapping status value to config dict
+        category: Choice category (defaults to STATUS)
+        
+    Returns:
+        List of RichChoice objects for statuses
+    """
+    choices = []
+    
+    for value, config in statuses.items():
+        metadata = config.get('metadata', {})
+        
+        # Add default status colors if not specified
+        if 'color' not in metadata:
+            if 'operating' in value.lower() or 'active' in value.lower():
+                metadata['color'] = 'green'
+            elif 'closed' in value.lower() or 'inactive' in value.lower():
+                metadata['color'] = 'red'
+            elif 'temp' in value.lower() or 'pending' in value.lower():
+                metadata['color'] = 'yellow'
+            elif 'construction' in value.lower():
+                metadata['color'] = 'blue'
+            else:
+                metadata['color'] = 'gray'
+        
+        choice = RichChoice(
+            value=value,
+            label=config['label'],
+            description=config.get('description', ''),
+            metadata=metadata,
+            deprecated=config.get('deprecated', False),
+            category=category
+        )
+        choices.append(choice)
+    
+    return choices
+
+
+def create_type_choices(
+    types: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]],
+    category: ChoiceCategory = ChoiceCategory.TYPE
+) -> List[RichChoice]:
+    """
+    Create type/classification choices.
+    
+    Args:
+        types: Dictionary mapping type value to config dict
+        category: Choice category (defaults to TYPE)
+        
+    Returns:
+        List of RichChoice objects for types
+    """
+    choices = []
+    
+    for value, config in types.items():
+        choice = RichChoice(
+            value=value,
+            label=config['label'],
+            description=config.get('description', ''),
+            metadata=config.get('metadata', {}),
+            deprecated=config.get('deprecated', False),
+            category=category
+        )
+        choices.append(choice)
+    
+    return choices
+
+
+def merge_choice_metadata(
+    base_metadata: Dict[str, Any],
+    override_metadata: Dict[str, Any]
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Merge choice metadata dictionaries.
+    
+    Args:
+        base_metadata: Base metadata dictionary
+        override_metadata: Override metadata dictionary
+        
+    Returns:
+        Merged metadata dictionary
+    """
+    merged = base_metadata.copy()
+    merged.update(override_metadata)
+    return merged
+
+
+def filter_choices_by_category(
+    choices: List[RichChoice],
+    category: ChoiceCategory
+) -> List[RichChoice]:
+    """
+    Filter choices by category.
+    
+    Args:
+        choices: List of RichChoice objects
+        category: Category to filter by
+        
+    Returns:
+        Filtered list of choices
+    """
+    return [choice for choice in choices if choice.category == category]
+
+
+def sort_choices(
+    choices: List[RichChoice],
+    sort_by: str = "sort_order"
+) -> List[RichChoice]:
+    """
+    Sort choices by specified criteria.
+    
+    Args:
+        choices: List of RichChoice objects
+        sort_by: Sort criteria ("sort_order", "label", "value")
+        
+    Returns:
+        Sorted list of choices
+    """
+    if sort_by == "sort_order":
+        return sorted(choices, key=lambda x: (x.sort_order, x.label))
+    elif sort_by == "label":
+        return sorted(choices, key=lambda x: x.label)
+    elif sort_by == "value":
+        return sorted(choices, key=lambda x: x.value)
+    else:
+        return choices
+
+
+def get_choice_colors(
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core"
+) -> Dict[str, str]:
+    """
+    Get a mapping of choice values to their colors.
+    
+    Args:
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dictionary mapping choice values to colors
+    """
+    choices = registry.get_choices(choice_group, domain)
+    return {
+        choice.value: choice.color
+        for choice in choices
+        if choice.color
+    }
+
+
+def validate_choice_group_data(
+    name: str,
+    choices: List[RichChoice],
+    domain: str = "core"
+) -> List[str]:
+    """
+    Validate choice group data and return list of errors.
+    
+    Args:
+        name: Choice group name
+        choices: List of RichChoice objects
+        domain: Domain namespace
+        
+    Returns:
+        List of validation error messages
+    """
+    errors = []
+    
+    if not name:
+        errors.append("Choice group name cannot be empty")
+    
+    if not choices:
+        errors.append("Choice group must contain at least one choice")
+        return errors
+    
+    # Check for duplicate values
+    values = [choice.value for choice in choices]
+    if len(values) != len(set(values)):
+        duplicates = [v for v in values if values.count(v) > 1]
+        errors.append(f"Duplicate choice values found: {', '.join(set(duplicates))}")
+    
+    # Validate individual choices
+    for i, choice in enumerate(choices):
+        try:
+            # This will trigger __post_init__ validation
+            RichChoice(
+                value=choice.value,
+                label=choice.label,
+                description=choice.description,
+                metadata=choice.metadata,
+                deprecated=choice.deprecated,
+                category=choice.category
+            )
+        except ValueError as e:
+            errors.append(f"Choice {i}: {str(e)}")
+    
+    return errors
+
+
+def create_choice_from_config(config: Dict[str, Any]) -> RichChoice:
+    """
+    Create a RichChoice from a configuration dictionary.
+    
+    Args:
+        config: Configuration dictionary with choice data
+        
+    Returns:
+        RichChoice object
+    """
+    return RichChoice(
+        value=config['value'],
+        label=config['label'],
+        description=config.get('description', ''),
+        metadata=config.get('metadata', {}),
+        deprecated=config.get('deprecated', False),
+        category=ChoiceCategory(config.get('category', 'other'))
+    )
+
+
+def export_choices_to_dict(
+    choice_group: str,
+    domain: str = "core"
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Export a choice group to a dictionary format.
+    
+    Args:
+        choice_group: Name of the choice group in the registry
+        domain: Domain namespace for the choice group
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dictionary representation of the choice group
+    """
+    group = registry.get(choice_group, domain)
+    if not group:
+        return {}
+    
+    return group.to_dict()

backend/apps/core/management/commands/calculate_new_content.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 Django management command to calculate new content.
 
 This replaces the Celery task for calculating new content.
-Run with: python manage.py calculate_new_content
+Run with: uv run manage.py calculate_new_content
 """
 
 import logging

backend/apps/core/management/commands/calculate_trending.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 Django management command to calculate trending content.
 
 This replaces the Celery task for calculating trending content.
-Run with: python manage.py calculate_trending
+Run with: uv run manage.py calculate_trending
 """
 
 import logging

backend/apps/core/management/commands/setup_dev.py

@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
         try:
             # Check if migrations are up to date
             result = subprocess.run(
-                [sys.executable, "manage.py", "migrate", "--check"],
+                ["uv", "run", "manage.py", "migrate", "--check"],
                 capture_output=True,
                 text=True,
             )
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
             else:
                 self.stdout.write("🔄 Running database migrations...")
                 subprocess.run(
-                    [sys.executable, "manage.py", "migrate", "--noinput"], check=True
+                    ["uv", "run", "manage.py", "migrate", "--noinput"], check=True
                 )
                 self.stdout.write(
                     self.style.SUCCESS("✅ Database migrations completed")
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
 
         try:
             subprocess.run(
-                [sys.executable, "manage.py", "seed_sample_data"], check=True
+                ["uv", "run", "manage.py", "seed_sample_data"], check=True
             )
             self.stdout.write(self.style.SUCCESS("✅ Sample data seeded"))
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
 
         try:
             subprocess.run(
-                [sys.executable, "manage.py", "collectstatic", "--noinput", "--clear"],
+                ["uv", "run", "manage.py", "collectstatic", "--noinput", "--clear"],
                 check=True,
             )
             self.stdout.write(self.style.SUCCESS("✅ Static files collected"))
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
 
             # Build Tailwind CSS
             subprocess.run(
-                [sys.executable, "manage.py", "tailwind", "build"], check=True
+                ["uv", "run", "manage.py", "tailwind", "build"], check=True
             )
             self.stdout.write(self.style.SUCCESS("✅ Tailwind CSS built"))
 
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
         self.stdout.write("🔍 Running system checks...")
 
         try:
-            subprocess.run([sys.executable, "manage.py", "check"], check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["uv", "run", "manage.py", "check"], check=True)
             self.stdout.write(self.style.SUCCESS("✅ System checks passed"))
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
             self.stdout.write(
@@ -220,5 +220,5 @@ class Command(BaseCommand):
         self.stdout.write("  - API Documentation: http://localhost:8000/api/docs/")
         self.stdout.write("")
         self.stdout.write("🌟 Ready to start development server with:")
-        self.stdout.write("   python manage.py runserver")
+        self.stdout.write("   uv run manage.py runserver_plus")
         self.stdout.write("")