Model Methods

Model Methods

Models are Python classes, so you can add custom methods to them. This is cleaner than doing string manipulation in templates or views.

Adding a Snippet Method

# articles/models.py
class Article(models.Model):
    title = models.CharField(max_length=100)
    slug = models.SlugField()
    body = models.TextField()
    date = models.DateTimeField(auto_now_add=True)
    thumb = models.ImageField(default='default.png', blank=True)

    def __str__(self):
        return self.title

    def snippet(self):
        return self.body[:50] + '...'

Using Model Methods in Templates

<!-- Call the method without parentheses -->
{% for article in articles %}
    <h2>{{ article.title }}</h2>
    <p>{{ article.snippet }}</p>
{% endfor %}

In Django templates, you call model methods without parentheses — just use {{ article.snippet }} not {{ article.snippet() }}.

Why Model Methods?

Approach	Where	Pros
Model method	models.py	Reusable everywhere, keeps templates clean
Template filter	Template	Good for display-only transformations
View logic	views.py	Good for complex business logic

More Method Examples

class Article(models.Model):
    # ... fields ...

    def snippet(self):
        return self.body[:50] + '...'

    def word_count(self):
        return len(self.body.split())

    def is_recent(self):
        from django.utils import timezone
        return self.date >= timezone.now() - timezone.timedelta(days=7)

Key Takeaways

• Add methods to models for reusable data transformations
• Call model methods in templates without parentheses
• Model methods keep logic out of templates — cleaner separation
• snippet() is a common pattern for article previews