How to Extend Django User Model using AbstractUser

Django, a powerful Python web framework, offers a built-in User model for authentication purposes. However, when your project demands additional user-specific information, extending the User model becomes essential. In this blog, we’ll explore how to extend Django User Model using the AbstractUser method, accompanied by a comprehensive example.

Understanding AbstractUser

The AbstractUser class in Django’s django.contrib.auth.models module provides a straightforward way to extend the User model. By subclassing AbstractUser, you can seamlessly add custom fields and functionalities while retaining the built-in authentication features.

Benefits of Using AbstractUser

Simplicity: Subclassing AbstractUser is less complex than other methods, making it suitable for projects with moderate customization needs.
Built-in Features: You retain standard authentication features and can easily use Django’s admin site for user management.
Efficiency: AbstractUser handles common user-related functionalities, letting you focus on the additional fields your project requires.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Let’s dive into the process of extending Django User Model using the AbstractUser method, using a practical example of creating a CustomUser model.

Note: We have create a already created our django project using our blog on Django Basic Template Boilerplate Skeleton Project. For this example, we have created a app named “accounts“.

Step 1: Subclass AbstractUser

# accounts/models.py

from django.contrib.auth.models import AbstractUser
from django.db import models

class CustomUser(AbstractUser):
    bio = models.TextField(max_length=500, blank=True)
    profile_picture = models.ImageField(upload_to='profile_pics/', blank=True)

Step 2: Update Settings

In your project’s settings.py, specify your custom User model:

AUTH_USER_MODEL = 'your_app.CustomUser'

Step 3: Applying Migrations

Run the following commands to apply migrations and create the custom User model:

python manage.py makemigrations
python manage.py migrate

Conclusion

Extending Django User Model using the AbstractUser method offers an efficient way to enhance the User model with custom fields. The step-by-step example in this blog illustrates how to create a CustomUser model, making it easier to add attributes like user bios and profile pictures. By following this approach, you ensure your application is better equiped to handle diverse user-specific requirements. Remember that selecting the extension method depends on your project’s complexity and goals, and AbstractUser offers an accessible entry point for customization.

Find this project on Github.