LordGhostX

Posted on Dec 27, 2020

How to Host Flask Applications on Namecheap cPanel

#python #webdev #devops

I get asked from time to time how a person can host a Flask application on web hosting platforms that run on cPanels like Namecheap and if that is even possible. I end up responding with a link to a YouTube video that shows the possibility. Then, I send a couple of screenshots that serve as a guide.

I decided to publish an article that will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to host Flask applications on cPanels like Namecheap as there are presently not enough resources online on this topic.

Getting Started

Creating a Flask Application

We will create a simple Flask application and host it on Namecheap during this tutorial.

from flask import Flask

app = Flask(__name__)


@app.route("/")
def hello():
    return "Hello World!"


@app.route("/<string:name>/")
def say_hello(name):
    return f"Hello {name}!"


if __name__ == "__main__":
    app.run()

Save the code above in a file named app.py like every other Flask application. When you run it, you should get a result similar to the images below.

Generating a Requirements File

Next, generate a requirements.txt file for the project. Its structure should resemble the image below.

Hosting Flask on cPanel

This section assumes we have created a Namecheap account and purchased a domain along with hosting.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Step 2: Create a Python Application

cPanel has tools for operations like SSL management, Databases, File management, Emails, Site metrics, Domain management, etc. Navigate to the SOFTWARE section and select Setup Python App.

Next, click the CREATE APPLICATION button on the right side of the screen.

You will see a screen similar to the one above, select a Python version (preferably the latest). Provide a name for your application in the Application root form field, and select the domain/subdomain you want the app hosted on in the Application URL section.

Step 3: Upload the Flask Application to cPanel

Navigate to the FILES section in cPanel and select File Manager. It is a tool that allows for the management of files on our server.

Next, zip your local project, upload it to the cPanel file manager, then unzip it on the server.

Step 4: Configuring our WSGI file

Open and edit the passenger_wsgi.py file that is automatically generated by the cPanel. You should see a starter WSGI config like in the image below.

Next, replace all the content in the passenger_wsgi.py with the code below and save the file.

from app import app as application

Step 5: Install Project Requirements

Open the Python App page again and scroll down the page to the Configuration files section.

In the first form field, enter requirements.txt. Then, click the Add button to add the requirements for installation.

After doing this, notice that the Run Pip Install button is no longer disabled. Click on the button and select the requirements file you just set.

Step 6: Restart the Flask Application

Whenever you make changes to the web application, you have to restart the application to effect the changes. To do this, scroll up on the Python App page and locate the RESTART button, then click it.

Congratulations! You have successfully hosted a Flask application on Namecheap cPanel. It is accessible via the domain you linked to the app during its creation.

Conclusion

We saw the possibility of hosting Flask web applications on cPanels like Namecheap and learned how to host a Flask project on cPanel. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me on Twitter: @LordGhostX