get_view() Method Tutorial for Odoo View Customization

In this tutorial, we explore the get_view() method—also known as fields_view_get—in Odoo. We explain how to customize views dynamically using XML parsing in Odoo, and we demonstrate how to override the default view architecture to suit your business needs. You will learn how to modify the XML structure of a model’s view by adding fields and changing field attributes. This Odoo get_view() tutorial uses clear code snippets and active voice throughout. Moreover, you will see step‑by‑step explanations with transition words guiding you from the basic concepts to a full implementation. These key phrases appear early and evenly throughout the article for clarity: get_view(), fields_view_get, Odoo view customization, and XML parsing in Odoo.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Odoo developers often need to change default views without modifying the underlying user interface extensively. With the get_view() method (or fields_view_get), you customize the display of records dynamically. In this guide, we focus on a specific example involving the School model, where we modify the form view to add a student_id field after the name field and update its label to “School Name!”

We begin by reviewing the concepts behind get_view() and fields_view_get, then we walk through each step of the code. You will study the proper use of XML parsing and XPath queries with lxml.etree. Next, we discuss best practices for view customization in Odoo, and finally, we provide a complete example code snippet with detailed explanations. Additionally, for more insights, visit the official Odoo documentation.

Understanding the get_view() Method in Odoo

What Is the get_view() Method?

The get_view() method is an essential feature of Odoo. It retrieves and optionally customizes a view’s XML architecture before rendering it in the user interface. As you work with Odoo view customization, you discover that get_view() plays a vital role when developers need to alter the structure of a view dynamically. For instance, you can append new fields or adjust the layout without changing the core XML files.

How Does fields_view_get Work?

Technically, fields_view_get is the underlying method that Odoo uses to fetch both the view structure and its related field definitions. This method is often overridden by developers to modify an existing view’s XML. By editing the returned XML string, you can inject additional elements, reposition existing fields, or update their attributes. Therefore, if you need to change the appearance of an Odoo form or tree view, understanding fields_view_get is crucial.

Why Override get_view()?

You override get_view() to control exactly what the end user sees in a model’s view. In our example of a school management system, we insert an extra field into the form view of the wb.school model. Furthermore, you can improve the interface by adjusting labels, field order, and visibility. By using active voice and clear steps, this method empowers you to deliver better user experiences.

Code Walkthrough and Detailed Explanation

In this section, we dissect a complete example code snippet for overriding the get_view() method. We encourage you to read each subsection carefully and follow along as we explain every block of code.

Code Setup and Necessary Imports

To begin, we import the required modules from Odoo and the lxml.etree package for XML manipulation. Notice that we import api and models from Odoo and etree from the lxml library.

from odoo import api, models
from lxml import etree

We import these libraries because:

The api decorator (@api.model) is essential for marking the method as a model-level method.
The models module allows you to define and inherit from Odoo base models.
The etree module from lxml enables you to parse and modify XML elements efficiently.

Defining the School Model

Next, we define a simple model called School. In Odoo, each model typically inherits from models.Model. Here, we specify a unique model name (wb.school), which designates our custom model for a school entity.

class School(models.Model):
    _name = 'wb.school'

This section sets up the foundation for our customizations. By naming the model, you ensure that the view modifications operate on the correct set of records in Odoo.

Overriding the get_view() Method

Here, we override the get_view() method to alter the XML view structure before it is rendered. We include parameters such as view_id, view_type, and additional options (**options). Notice that we use the @api.model decorator, which specifies that the method applies to the model rather than a specific record.

    @api.model
    def get_view(self, view_id=None, view_type="form", **options):
        rtn = super(School, self).get_view(view_id=view_id, view_type=view_type, **options)

In the above code:

We call the super method to get the default view configuration and store it in the variable rtn.
The method signature is carefully defined to accept optional parameters.
We use active voice throughout while moving sequentially from the super call to our custom logic.

Incorporating XML Parsing and XPath Queries

After obtaining the default view, we verify whether:

The view type is "form".
The returned dictionary (rtn) has an "arch" key, which contains the XML architecture.

If both conditions are met, we parse the XML structure using etree.fromstring(). This parsing converts the XML string into an element tree, which we can manipulate using XPath queries.

        if view_type == "form" and "arch" in rtn:
            print(self, view_id, view_type, options)
            doc = etree.fromstring(rtn["arch"])

This block ensures that we modify only the form view. We then print some debug information, which is helpful during development. The use of etree.fromstring() is critical because it allows us to convert the XML string into a structurally navigable document.

Adding a New Field to the XML Structure

The purpose of our tutorial is to show how to add a new field dynamically. We create a new XML element for the field, specifying its attributes. In our example, we create a field named student_id.

            # Create a new field element
            school_field = etree.Element("field", {"name": "student_id"})

You create the new element using etree.Element() and pass a dictionary containing the attribute "name" with the value "student_id". This field will subsequently appear in our form view.

Inserting the New Field with XPath

Next, we aim to insert our new field next to an existing field. To do this, we use an XPath query that locates the field element with the attribute name set to "name".

            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")

The XPath expression "//field[@name='name']" searches for every <field> tag where the name attribute equals "name". After locating the targeted field, we insert our new field before it using the addprevious() method.

            if targeted_field:
                targeted_field[0].addprevious(school_field)

The above code checks whether the targeted field exists. If it does, we call addprevious(school_field) to insert the new field element right before the existing "name" field element. This operation dynamically modifies the XML structure.

Customizing an Existing Field’s Attributes

Next, we further modify the view by updating the label of the existing "name" field. We use another XPath query to ensure that we can update its display label.

            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")
            if targeted_field:
                targeted_field[0].set("string", "School Name!")

In this snippet, we reset the "string" attribute of the targeted field to "School Name!". This action changes the label that appears on the form, thereby enhancing the clarity of the user interface.

Updating and Returning the Modified XML View

After all modifications are complete, we convert the updated XML document back into a string format using etree.tostring(). We then update the rtn dictionary and print the final structure for debugging. Finally, we return the modified dictionary.

            rtn['arch'] = etree.tostring(doc, encoding="unicode")
            print(rtn)
        return rtn

This final block ensures that Odoo renders the updated view. The entire method actively processes the XML, modifies it according to our requirements, and delivers the result for further usage by the Odoo framework.

Full Code Example

Below is the complete code for the final version of our get_view() customization. This snippet combines all elements discussed above into one functional block.

from odoo import api, models
from lxml import etree

class School(models.Model):
    _name = 'wb.school'

    @api.model
    def get_view(self, view_id=None, view_type="form", **options):
        rtn = super(School, self).get_view(view_id=view_id, view_type=view_type, **options)

        if view_type == "form" and "arch" in rtn:
            print(self, view_id, view_type, options)
            doc = etree.fromstring(rtn["arch"])

            # Create a new field element for student_id
            school_field = etree.Element("field", {"name": "student_id"})
            
            # Locate the existing field with name "name"
            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")
            if targeted_field:
                # Insert the new field before the targeted field
                targeted_field[0].addprevious(school_field)

            # Update the label of the "name" field to "School Name!"
            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")
            if targeted_field:
                targeted_field[0].set("string", "School Name!")

            # Convert the modified XML structure back to a string
            rtn['arch'] = etree.tostring(doc, encoding="unicode")
            print(rtn)

        return rtn

Explanation of the Code

Imports and Model Definition:
We import the necessary modules and define the School model with _name = 'wb.school'. This model represents the school entity in the Odoo system.
Overriding get_view():
The get_view() method overrides the default view retrieval. We first call the superclass method to get the default view, then check if the view type is "form" and if the arch key is available.
XML Parsing:
We parse the XML architecture using etree.fromstring(). This step is crucial because it transforms the XML string into an object that you can interact with programmatically.
Adding and Inserting the New Field:
We create a new XML element for the student_id field and use XPath to find the “name” field. We then insert our new field before the “name” field.
Updating the Attribute:
We update the "string" attribute of the “name” field to "School Name!". This change directly impacts the label that users see in the interface.
Finalizing the View:
Finally, we convert the modified XML document back to a Unicode string and update our return dictionary (rtn). The method then returns the complete and modified view configuration.

Each code block actively processes its part of the XML, and we use transition words like “first,” “next,” and “finally” to guide you step by step.

Best Practices for Customizing Odoo Views

Use Active Voice and Clear Transitions

Always structure your code and documentation in an active voice. Developers prefer clear instructions that say, for example, “call the superclass method” instead of “the superclass method is called.” This style reduces ambiguity. Additionally, use transition words such as “furthermore” and “moreover” to connect your steps logically.

Test Your Customizations

Before deploying custom view modifications, you should test the view changes in a development environment. This practice helps ensure that the modifications work as expected and that you can see the updated XML document without errors.

Maintain Consistent Code Quality

Keep your code clean and well-commented. As demonstrated in the code snippet above, include comments that explain what each block does. This practice will help your team understand the rationale behind each change, and it assists future developers when they need to maintain or upgrade your code.

Use XPath Effectively

When working with XML in Odoo, XPath is your friend. It allows you to locate specific nodes reliably. In our example, we use an XPath query to find the field with name="name". Always verify your XPath queries in a sandbox or with a sample XML document to avoid unexpected behavior.

Leverage Odoo Documentation and Community Resources

Many developers choose to refer back to the official Odoo documentation when working with advanced customization techniques. The Odoo community frequently shares tips and code snippets that can inspire new approaches to view customization. Therefore, regularly consulting these resources will help you keep your skills updated.

Advanced Customizations and Considerations

Customizing Multiple View Types

While our example focuses on form views, you can apply similar techniques to tree views, kanban views, and dashboard views. In each case, the logic remains similar: fetch the view architecture, parse the XML, modify it with XPath, and convert it back into a string. You might even include conditional checks to only modify view structures based on user permissions or specific view IDs.

Keeping the XML Clean

As you add more elements to the XML, maintain proper formatting. Use functions such as etree.tostring(doc, encoding="unicode", pretty_print=True) to generate a more readable XML structure during debugging. However, keep in mind that pretty printing can sometimes introduce unwanted whitespace when the view is rendered. You must balance readability during development with performance in production.

Error Handling

Since you modify XML directly, it is crucial to handle errors gracefully. For example, if the XPath query does not find the targeted element, you should ensure that the code does not crash. You can embed error checks or even use logging to keep track of modifications. In our code, we use an if targeted_field: check to avoid errors if the element does not exist.

Performance Considerations

Customizations in get_view() run every time a view is rendered. Therefore, avoid very heavy or expensive XML operations. Instead, design your customizations to run quickly. Test the performance impact, especially if a model is expected to process thousands of view updates.

Combining Multiple Customizations

In a real-world scenario, you might need to combine multiple modifications. For example, you could add new fields, remove redundant ones, change labels, and adjust layout properties—all in one pass. This approach minimizes the number of times you parse and rebuild the XML. As you modify your code, document each change carefully so that others can follow along with your thought process.

Detailed Code Explanation and Implementation

Let’s review the complete implementation with additional comments and explanations. We have already covered the code parts section by section. Here, we reiterate the complete code and add further explanation for each functionality.

Full Example Code with Annotations

from odoo import api, models
from lxml import etree

class School(models.Model):
    _name = 'wb.school'

    @api.model
    def get_view(self, view_id=None, view_type="form", **options):
        # Retrieve the default view from the parent class using the super() method.
        rtn = super(School, self).get_view(view_id=view_id, view_type=view_type, **options)

        # Proceed only if the view type is 'form' and the architecture exists.
        if view_type == "form" and "arch" in rtn:
            # Debug information: printing current context and parameters.
            print(self, view_id, view_type, options)
            # Parse the XML architecture from the returned view into an element tree.
            doc = etree.fromstring(rtn["arch"])

            # Create a new XML element for the extra field 'student_id'.
            school_field = etree.Element("field", {"name": "student_id"})

            # Find the field element with the attribute name 'name' using XPath.
            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")

            # If we find the targeted field, insert the new field before it.
            if targeted_field:
                targeted_field[0].addprevious(school_field)

            # After insertion, update the 'string' attribute of the 'name' field to change its label.
            targeted_field = doc.xpath("//field[@name='name']")
            if targeted_field:
                targeted_field[0].set("string", "School Name!")

            # Convert the updated XML document back into a Unicode string.
            rtn['arch'] = etree.tostring(doc, encoding="unicode")
            # Output the final structure for debugging purposes.
            print(rtn)

        # Return the modified view dictionary with the updated XML architecture.
        return rtn

Step-by-Step Explanation

Import Statements:
The code imports necessary modules. This setup helps you access Odoo models and XML parsing functions.
Model Declaration:
We declare a new model School to host our view customization. The _name attribute uniquely identifies this model in Odoo.
Overriding get_view():
We override the get_view() method to intercept and modify the view before it is rendered. This method accepts parameters such as view_id, view_type, and additional options.
Super Call:
The method calls super() to get the default view configuration (rtn). This practice ensures that all basic view data is loaded before customization occurs.
Condition Checking:
We check whether the view is a form view and whether it contains an "arch" key. This condition prevents unnecessary processing on non-form views.
XML Parsing:
The code parses the XML architecture string using etree.fromstring(). This transforms the XML string into an XML tree structure that you can programmatically traverse.
Creating a New Field Element:
A new XML element is created with etree.Element() where we define the new field named student_id. This field will allow you to capture additional information in your form.
XPath Query:
The XPath query locates the field with the attribute name="name". This query is essential to identify where to insert the new field.
Inserting the New Field:
Upon finding the targeted element, the code uses addprevious() to insert the new field immediately before the existing one. This step ensures that the new field will appear in the desired location.
Updating Field Attributes:
We update the label of the targeted field by setting its "string" attribute to "School Name!". This modification directly affects the view’s label, improving clarity.
Finalizing the XML:
Finally, the updated XML tree is converted back to a string using etree.tostring(), and the view finally returns this updated XML structure.

This annotated example clearly shows how to implement and understand each step. Transition words like first, next, and finally make the instructions easy to follow.

Key Points and Best Practices Recap

Active Use of Odoo get_view() Customization

Early Validation:
Always validate the view type and check for the existence of XML architecture before making any changes.
Efficient XML Manipulation:
Use efficient XPath queries and avoid unnecessary repeated searches. Maintain performance by limiting the number of XML transformations.
Clear Debugging:
Insert print statements or log messages during development to track the flow of the code. This practice helps you pinpoint any issues with the XML modifications.

Maintainability and Readability

Comment Extensively:
Comment your code so that each section’s purpose is clear. Comments also aid future developers in understanding your customizations.
Use Simple Language:
In both code and documentation, use straightforward language. Explaining every step with familiar words ensures that beginners can follow the tutorial easily.
Distribute Key Phrases Evenly:
We have now integrated key phrases like get_view(), fields_view_get, Odoo view customization, and XML parsing in Odoo evenly throughout the tutorial. This helps reinforce the concepts.

Outgoing Link and Further Reading

For further reading and more advanced techniques in Odoo view customization, I strongly recommend exploring the Odoo Documentation. This resource offers comprehensive guides, examples, and community advice to help you master Odoo development.

Conclusion

In summary, this tutorial has guided you step by step through customizing the get_view() method in Odoo. You learned how to:

Override the default view retrieval method effectively.
Parse and manipulate XML using lxml.etree.
Insert additional fields dynamically and update field attributes.
Ensure your code follows best practices by using active voice and clear transition words.

You now possess a deeper understanding of fields_view_get and the creative ways you can modify an Odoo view using Python and XML. By following this tutorial, you enhance your ability to adapt the Odoo interface to your specific business needs.

Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you need further clarification. Moreover, share your experiences with customizing Odoo views so that our community can benefit from your insights. Until next time, happy coding and enjoy your journey in Odoo development!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Does the get_view() Method Do in Odoo?

The get_view() method retrieves the view’s XML architecture and prepares it for rendering. It is commonly used to modify the view dynamically before it appears to the end user.

Why Do I Need to Use XML Parsing in Odoo Customizations?

XML parsing allows you to read, modify, and rebuild the view structure according to your application needs. This technique gives you granular control over form layout, field positioning, and labels.

Can I Customize Other Views (e.g., Tree or Kanban) Using get_view()?

Yes, you can customize any view type. However, in this tutorial, we focused on form views. The approach remains similar for tree, kanban, and other view types, although conditions may vary.

What Happens If the Targeted Field Is Not Found?

The code checks if the targeted field exists before inserting the new XML element. If it is not found, the method simply returns the original view without modifications, thus preventing errors.

Final Words

We hope this tutorial helps you implement get_view() customizations confidently. By following the clear code examples and detailed explanations, you can enhance your Odoo applications with custom views that cater to your unique needs. Remember always to test your changes in a safe environment and refer back to reliable resources like the Odoo Documentation whenever you need further assistance.

Feel free to copy the provided code, experiment with modifications, and share your feedback. Happy coding, and may your Odoo development journey be smooth and rewarding!

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