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Assign variables to child template in {% include %} tag Django

django
template-engineering
best-practices
encapsulation
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Oct 3, 2024
TLDR

Inject context into a Django template seamlessly by utilizing the with keyword within the {% include %} tag:

{% include 'child.html' with foo=bar %}

In this scenario, foo is the fresh context variable available in child.html, set to the value of bar. This method provides a neat, inline approach for passing variables directly when including a template.

Embracing the 'with' keyword

If you're seeking to pass additional variables to a template, the with keyword proves its worth. It ensures assigned variables are accessible, but at the same time, keeps the whole context clean:

{% include 'child.html' with comment=article.comment user=request.user %}

By explicitly passing comment and user, your included templates become modular and readable. Another winning strategy is using the only keyword. This restricts the context rendering to the specified variables, boosting efficiency:

{% include 'child.html' with comment=article.comment user=request.user only %}

The 'only' keyword: An efficient context handler

For larger Django applications, the only keyword can be a performance enhancer. By disallowing the parent context from being passed down to the included template, only prevents potential overhead stemming from bigger or complex contexts:

{% include 'child.html' with custom_variable=value only %}

Now, child.html can access custom_variable exclusively, averting accidental data exposure and making sure templates receive only what they need.

Form Processing: Dos and Don'ts

When using templates with forms, make sure your views are meticulously planned for form processing. Avoid the pitfall of misplaced form logic which can derail the expected behavior. Your view should correctly save and process form data, especially when an intermediate template is being included with a form template:

{% include 'child_form.html' with form=my_form only %} {% csrf_token %}

Don’t forget: CSRF tokens are vital for protection against cross-site request forgeries.

Acknowledging Helpful Community Contributions

Empathy goes a long way during interactions within the developer community. If someone's suggestion or solution has enhanced your work, expressing gratitude promotes a culture that encourages further knowledge sharing and positive relations.

When to use 'with' and 'only'

Juggling Nested Templates

Compared to a layered lasagna, the only keyword can trim your code fat and slim down your memory footprint:

{% include "layer_one.html" with sauce="bolognese" only %} {# Only the sauciest layers make the cut. #} {% include "layer_two.html" with cheese=parmesan only %} {# Because a byte of cheese is better than none. Get it? Hmm, never mind. #}

Loading Dynamic Content

with shines when there's a need for dynamic interactions, like loading comments on a discussion thread without needing a page refresh:

{% for comment in post.comments %} {% include "comment.html" with comment_text=comment.text commenter=comment.user only %} {% endfor %} {# There's no place like 127.0.0.1 for a lively discussion. #}

Encapsulation and Componentization

You can encapsulate different features (like a user profile card) into separate templates and include them with the necessary context to boost reusability:

{% include 'user_profile_card.html' with user_id=user.id user_name=user.get_full_name only %} {# Reusable components: Because programmers are part-time magicians. Abracadabra! #}