Resolving the TemplateDoesNotExist Error

There are several potential issues that could be causing your TemplateDoesNotExist error for readers.html. Let me help you troubleshoot:

Possible Issues and Solutions

1. Template Directory Path

The path in your TEMPLATES setting looks problematic:

PYTHONCopied
'DIRS': [os.path.abspath(os.path.dirname(__file__) + "/…/lims_app/templates")],

The "/…/" part is unusual and might not be resolving correctly. Try using a more standard path format:

PYTHONCopied
'DIRS': [os.path.join(BASE_DIR, 'lims_app', 'templates')],

Make sure BASE_DIR is defined at the top of your settings file.

2. Template Location

Ensure your readers.html is in the correct location. If your app is named readers, the template should be in:

• lims_app/templates/readers/readers.html (if using app-specific templates)
• or directly in lims_app/templates/readers.html

3. View Configuration

Check your view to ensure it's looking for the template in the right place:

PYTHONCopied
def readers_view(request):
    return render(request, 'readers.html')  # or 'readers/readers.html'

4. Parent Template

Your template extends index.html. Make sure this parent template exists and is accessible.

5. Debug Steps

1. Verify the template file exists in the expected location
2. Print the template search paths to debug:

PYTHONCopied
from django.conf import settings
print(settings.TEMPLATES[0]['DIRS'])

3. Try using the django-debug-toolbar to see template paths

6. Alternative Solution

If all else fails, try using an absolute path temporarily to test:

PYTHONCopied
import os
BASE_DIR = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)))
TEMPLATES = [
    {
        # other settings...
        'DIRS': [os.path.join(BASE_DIR, 'lims_app', 'templates')],
        # rest of settings...
    },
]

Check your project structure to ensure templates are where you expect them to be, and that the path in settings correctly points to that location.