This is provided as a new "validate_max" formset_factory option defaulting to
False, since the non-validating behavior of max_num is longstanding, and there
is certainly code relying on it. (In fact, even the Django admin relies on it
for the case where there are more existing inlines than the given max_num). It
may be that at some point we want to deprecate validate_max=False and
eventually remove the option, but this commit takes no steps in that direction.
This also fixes the DoS-prevention absolute_max enforcement so that it causes a
form validation error rather than an IndexError, and ensures that absolute_max
is always 1000 more than max_num, to prevent surprising changes in behavior
with max_num close to absolute_max.
Lastly, this commit fixes the previous inconsistency between a regular formset
and a model formset in the precedence of max_num and initial data. Previously
in a regular formset, if the provided initial data was longer than max_num, it
was truncated; in a model formset, all initial forms would be displayed
regardless of max_num. Now regular formsets are the same as model formsets; all
initial forms are displayed, even if more than max_num. (But if validate_max is
True, submitting these forms will result in a "too many forms" validation
error!) This combination of behaviors was chosen to keep the max_num validation
simple and consistent, and avoid silent data loss due to truncation of initial
data.
Thanks to Preston for discussion of the design choices.
yokomizor
Andrew Gorcester