Python

Running Python applications through Apache Web Server on AlmaLinux 8 is a popular solution for many system administrators and web developers. By combining the power of Python for back-end processing and the stability of Apache as an HTTP server, we get a reliable and efficient production environment.

This guide will cover step-by-step how to install Python on Apache on an AlmaLinux 8 system, using a mod_wsgi-based approach. We'll outline each part of the process, including installing dependencies, configuring Apache, structuring a Python project, and optimizing your production environment. The guide is detailed and structured for easy follow-through.

Prerequisites

• Full root access
• Apache/HTTPD installed
• Basic Linux Command Line
• Security

Install Python

Before you begin, make sure your system is up to date. Run the command below to update your system:

dnf update -y 
dnf install epel-release -y

After that, ensure the Apache HTTP Server (httpd) is installed. If it isn't, please run the following command:

dnf install httpd -y
systemctl enable --now httpd

Allow ports 80 and 443 on firewalld when using it:

firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service={http,https}
firewall-cmd --reload

AlmaLinux 8 includes Python 3.x by default. To ensure Python is installed correctly, run the following command:

python3 --version

Here is an example of the output:

Python 3.6.8

If it is not installed, please run the following command to install Python 3:

dnf install python3 python3-pip -y

To run Python applications under Apache, we need the mod_wsgi module. Install using DNF:

dnf install python3-mod_wsgi -y

Then restart Apache:

systemctl restart httpd

Creating a Simple Python Application Structure for Apache

Let's create a simple Python application called myapp. The directories and files will be located in /var/www/myapp.

mkdir -p /var/www/myapp
cd /var/www/myapp
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

Create a myapp.wsgi file as an entry point:

nano myapp.wsgi

Fill in the following script:

/var/www/myapp/myapp.wsgi

def application(environ, start_response):
    status = '200 OK'
    output = b'Hello from Python running on Apache using mod_wsgi!'

    response_headers = [('Content-type', 'text/plain'),
                        ('Content-Length', str(len(output)))]
    start_response(status, response_headers)

    return [output]

Adjust permissions:

chown -R apache:apache /var/www/myapp

Now, we need to create a VirtualHost configuration file for the Python application:

nano /etc/httpd/conf.d/focusnic.biz.id.conf

Fill in the following parameters:

/etc/httpd/conf.d/focusnic.biz.id.conf

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerAdmin webmaster@focusnic.biz.id
    ServerName focusnic.biz.id
    ServerAlias www.focusnic.biz.id

    WSGIDaemonProcess myapp python-home=/var/www/myapp/venv python-path=/var/www/myapp
    WSGIScriptAlias / /var/www/myapp/myapp.wsgi

    <Directory /var/www/myapp>
        Require all granted
    </Directory>

    ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/focusnic.biz.id-error.log
    CustomLog /var/log/httpd/focusnic.biz.id-access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Then restart Apache:

apachectl configtest
systemctl restart httpd

Open http://YOUR_DOMAIN in a browser to ensure the Python application is running correctly on Apache.

Python Security and Optimization Tips

1. Use a Virtual Environment
   Always run Python applications in a virtual environment (virtualenv) to maintain dependency isolation.

2. Use a Non-root User
   Ensure Apache files and processes are not running as the root user. Use chown to set ownership:

chown -R apache:apache /var/www/myapp

3. Performance Optimization
   Use mod_wsgi in daemon mode for large-scale applications. You can set the number of processes and threads:

/etc/httpd/conf.d/focusnic.biz.id.conf

WSGIDaemonProcess myapp processes=5 threads=15

4. Logging and Monitoring
   Enable error logging and access to facilitate debugging.

Troubleshooting

1. Internal Server Error
   Check the Apache log file at /var/log/httpd/$DOMAIN_NAME-error.log to find the cause. The error is usually caused by permissions or typos in the WSGI file.

2. Application Not Running Virtualenv
   Make sure the python-home and python-path paths match the venv directory.

3. 403 Forbidden
   Make sure the /var/www/myapp directory has read permission for the Apache user.

Conclusion

Combining Apache Web Server and Python on AlmaLinux 8 provides a robust, secure, and production-ready web solution. By following the steps above, we can run WSGI-based Python applications with optimal performance. Proper installation, a clean directory structure, and correct Apache configuration will ensure long-term application stability.

If you're looking for a trusted partner for your AlmaLinux 8-based Python, Django, or Flask server installation needs, don't hesitate to contact Focusnic. We're ready to help you build a fast, secure, and scalable server infrastructure.

Q: Can Python run on Apache without mod_wsgi?
A: Yes, using alternatives like uWSGI + Nginx, but for Apache it is recommended to continue using mod_wsgi.

Q: Should I use a virtual environment?
A: It's highly recommended. This keeps the project modular and doesn't interfere with system-wide Python.

Q: How do I add a Flask or Django application?
A: Frameworks like Flask and Django can be run via WSGI. You just need to adjust the .wsgi file and set the python-path.

Q: How do I turn off a virtual environment?
A: To turn off a Python virtual environment, please run the following command.

deactivate