Django classes that help you create a common model for your database.

common_model_classes.py

from django.db import models
from django.conf import settings
from rest_framework import viewsets, serializers

class CommonModel(models.Model):
    """Common fields that are shared among all models."""
    
    created_by = models.ForeignKey(settings.AUTH_USER_MODEL,
                                   editable=False, related_name="+")
    updated_by = models.ForeignKey(settings.AUTH_USER_MODEL,
                                   editable=False, related_name="+")
    created_at = models.DateTimeField(auto_now_add=True,
                                      editable=False)
    updated_at = models.DateTimeField(auto_now=True,
                                      editable=False)


class CommonViewSet(viewsets.ModelViewSet):
    """Ensure the models are updated with the requesting user."""

  def perform_create(self, serializer):
        """Ensure we have the authorized user for ownership."""
        serializer.save(created_by=self.request.user, updated_by=self.request.user)

    def perform_update(self, serializer):
        """Ensure we have the authorized user for ownership."""
        serializer.save(updated_by=self.request.user)


class CommonSerializer(serializers.ModelSerializer):
    """Ensure the fields are included in the models."""

    common_fields = ['created_by', 'created_at', 'updated_by', 'updated_at']

    
# CAVEAT 1:
# If using a custom user model, add the following line to the top:
# from api.models.user_profile import User  # noqa: F401
# It's needed for get_model in settings.
# CAVEAT 2: 
# All api calls that add or edit a line to your database should be Authenticated.
# If you're not doing that then you are ASKING for trouble.