In my django app I create a string which I have to save to my database as a File. If i understand correctly, django is supposed to automatically upload the file when I save the entry:
class Foo(models.Model):
bar1=models.ForeignKey(Table1)
bar2=models.ForeignKey(Table2)
res=models.FileField(upload_to='MYPATH')
The problem is that to create an instance of Foo, I have to first create a physical file on the server's disk which would mean two copies would be created (one by me in order to create a database entry, one by django when saving the entry).
As far as I can see, I must create the file myself in 'MYPATH' and instead of using a FileField, I have to save a reference in the database (essentially what django is doing ????). However I have doubts that this is the best method as
- It doesn't strike me as Pythonesque.
- I won't have access to the same methods as when using a real FileField. For instance when calling it, I won't have a FieldFile but just a reference string.
Basically, what I wanted to do was: String --> ContentFile (or some form of "virtual" file) --> Physical File handled by Django when saving entry in the database.
entry = Foo(bar1=var1, bar2=var2, res=ContentFile(XMLSTRING))
entry.save()
This doesn't work, but it shows what I want to achieve. So, please show me one of the following three:
- How to save a file to the database without physically creating it (using a ContentFile doesn't create a physical file after saving the entry which is what I want to do)
- Make django not upload the given file but use the already uploaded version whilst maintaining all the methods provided by FileField
- What I don't understand.
I apologize for [my english, my lack of understanding, the lack of clarity]
Anything you need to know, I'd happy to specify.
EDIT: I looked at this thread, but there, the urlretrieve creates a temp file, which is something I don't really want to do. Maybe I should be doing that, but is there a better way?
