How to Install and Use the Python Selector in cPanel on CloudLinux

The Python Selector in CloudLinux simplifies hosting Python applications by allowing users to manage multiple Python versions within isolated environments. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to install, configure, and optimize the Python Selector on a CloudLinux server integrated with cPanel.

Why Should We Use Python Selector?

Key Benefits

• Version Flexibility: Easily switch between Python versions for different applications.
• Environment Isolation: Secure applications using CageFS to prevent conflicts and unauthorized access.
• Ease of Management: Intuitive interface for deploying and managing Python applications.
• Increased Security: Protects applications by isolating environments and leveraging robust server security features.

How to Prepare Your Server

Step 1: Verify Requirements

Before beginning the installation process, make sure that the server meets all the necessary requirements. First, root access is required to perform administrative actions. Preinstalled software, such as cPanel and CloudLinux, must already be configured, and CageFS should be enabled. Lastly, make sure that system packages are up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 2: Update the Server

Run the following commands to update the system packages:

sudo dnf update -y

sudo dnf upgrade -y

This makes sure your server has the latest updates and is ready for installation.

How to Install Python Selector

Install CloudLinux Components

Install the necessary Python tools provided by CloudLinux:

yum groupinstall alt-python -y

This installs multiple Python versions and prepares the system for integration with CageFS.

How to Verify the Installation?

To confirm Python Selector’s availability, log in to cPanel as a user. Navigate to the Software section and check for the “Setup Python App” option. 

If visible, Python Selector is correctly installed, providing users the capability to manage Python applications directly from their cPanel interface.

Once the “Setup Python App” option appears under the Software section in cPanel, it confirms the successful installation of Python Selector. Users can now choose from many Python versions to deploy their applications seamlessly.

This interface simplifies application management, allowing configurations like setting environment variables and specifying application directories directly from cPanel.

How to Use the Python Selector

Step 1: Create a Python Application

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. To access the Python application management interface, log in to your cPanel account and locate the Software section. Within this section, click on Setup Python App. This option allows you to create, configure, and manage Python applications seamlessly. It also provides tools to set Python versions and environment variables.

3. After navigating to Setup Python App, click the Create Application button to start creating a new Python application. This action allows you to configure your app by setting its environment, directory, and version. It initiates the application setup and provides options to customize it based on your requirements.

4. Choose the Python version best suited for your application from the available options. This makes sure compatibility and optimal performance for your application. The selected version will dictate the runtime environment for your app, providing flexibility to meet specific development or deployment needs.

5. Define the directory where the application will reside, such as /home/user/app. This directory acts as the root location for your Python application, housing critical files and configurations. Make sure that the directory path is accurate and has the appropriate permissions for smooth application execution and virtual environment setup.

Step 2: Manage Existing Applications

Once created, manage your application by:

• Starting or Stopping the Application: 

Use the cPanel interface to control the application by clicking Start, Stop, or Restart. These actions make sure the application runs easily or is paused as needed for updates or maintenance.

• Modifying Environment Variables: 

Adjust critical framework variables like DJANGO_SETTINGS_MODULE or FLASK_APP directly in cPanel. Add or update these variables to configure the application’s environment for optimized performance or feature updates.

• Updating the Python Version:

To update the Python version for your application, navigate to the Python version dropdown in the cPanel interface. Select the desired version, such as the latest recommended one (e.g., 3.10.15). Updating makes sure your application benefits from the latest features, performance increase , and security updates, keeping it optimized and secure.

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How to Optimize and Maintain Python Selector

1. Regular Updates

• Update server packages:

sudo dnf update -y

• Update Python Selector components:

yum groupupdate alt-python -y

2. Secure Environments

Use CageFS to prevent unauthorized access to application files and isolate resources between users.

Conclusion

The Python Selector on CloudLinux, integrated with cPanel, offers a powerful and flexible solution for managing Python applications. By following this guide, you can successfully install, configure, and optimize the Python Selector for seamless deployment and management. Regular updates and proactive monitoring will make sure of a secure and efficient hosting environment tailored for Python development.

About the writer

Vinayak Baranwal wrote this article. Use the provided link to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn for more insightful content or collaboration opportunities.