Resolve TypeError When Accessing request.user with AbstractUser in Django

Learn how to fix the `TypeError 'AnonymousUser' object is not iterable` issue when working with Django's AbstractUser model and JWT.
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The Problem: What Triggers the TypeError?

When you're working with a custom user model in Django, you might define it as an abstract model by extending AbstractUser. However, while trying to retrieve the user profile using an API call, you might find the following code in your view:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Error Message Explained

You receive the error TypeError 'AnonymousUser' object is not iterable. This error indicates that Django's authentication system is recognizing the user as an AnonymousUser, which cannot be serialized as an iterable (the many=True indicates that the serializer expects multiple items). This is particularly confusing because it can occur even when you believe you are logged in successfully.

The Solution: Correcting the Serializer Call

Step-by-Step Fix

Locate the Serializer Call:
Change your line from:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

to:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Finalized View Code:
Your updated view function should look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Additional Considerations

Conclusion

In summary, the TypeError: 'AnonymousUser' object is not iterable issue stems from misusing the serializer for a single user instance as if it were a list. By correcting how you instantiate your serializer and confirming user authentication, you can ensure a smoother experience with Django's AbstractUser model and JWT authentication.

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or further issues, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy coding!