Day 9 - Deploying Python Flask App on Linux Shared Hosting via cPanel

Deploying a Python Flask application onto a Linux shared hosting environment using cPanel might seem daunting at first glance, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process. In this tutorial, we'll walk through each step, from creating a subdomain to configuring the Flask project for hosting.

Step 1: Create a Subdomain

The first step is to create a subdomain where your Flask application will reside. This can usually be done within your cPanel dashboard under the 'Subdomains' or 'Domains' section. Choose a suitable name for your subdomain and create it.

Step 2: Setup a Python App

1. Navigate to cPanel and locate the 'Setup Python App' link.
2. Click on 'Setup Python App' to initiate the setup process.
3. In the application form:
   - Choose the Python version based on your local Python version. You can verify this by running `python --version` in your terminal.
   - Select the desired subdomain as the Application URL.
   - Leave the 'Application startup file' and 'Application Entry point' fields blank. These will be automatically generated.
4. Once the details are filled, click on the 'Create App' button to create the Python application.

Note: Before proceeding further, ensure you enter the virtual environment. Use the command provided, usually resembling: `source /path/to/virtualenv/bin/activate && cd /path/to/your/flask/app`.

Step 3: Configure the Flask Project

1. Open the Terminal within cPanel. This is usually found under the 'Advanced' section.
2. Activate the virtual environment using the command provided in the note above.
3. Proceed with the installation by installing Flask and configuring Passenger to work with the Flask application.
   - Install Flask and any other dependencies your application requires. You can do this by typing all the package dependencies into a `requirements.txt` file and then running `pip install -r requirements.txt`.

Once the dependencies are installed, your Flask application is ready to be deployed and accessed via the subdomain you created.

Conclusion

Deploying a Python Flask application on a Linux shared hosting environment using cPanel might involve a few steps, but it's certainly achievable with the right guidance. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can seamlessly deploy your Flask app and make it accessible to users via the subdomain created on your hosting account. With this deployment, you can share your Flask application with the world and leverage the benefits of a shared hosting environment for hosting your web applications.