Let’s talk about Python App Hosting on Ubuntu 20.04. Hosting a Python application on Ubuntu 20.04 offers numerous advantages. 

Ubuntu 20.04, a popular Linux distribution. It provides a stable and secure environment for deploying Python applications. 

Leverage the power of Ubuntu 20.04 to ensure a seamless and efficient hosting experience.

Why choose Ubuntu to host Python applications?

1. Stability and reliability- Ubuntu is renowned for its stability and reliability as an operating system. Particularly crucial for Python applications, as they can be sensitive to changes in the underlying environment. With Ubuntu, you can trust that your application will run smoothly and consistently.
2. Popular hosting option- Ubuntu is widely used for hosting web applications, including those built with Python. As a result, extensive support is available for Python applications on Ubuntu. You’ll find many tutorials, documentation, and tools to help you get your application up and running quickly.
3. Enhanced security- Ubuntu is designed with robust security features and is regularly updated with security patches. Your Python application remains protected against potential vulnerabilities.
4. Free and open-source- it not only reduces costs but also provides you with the freedom to customize it according to your specific needs. This flexibility is invaluable when hosting Python applications.
5. Ease of installation and configuration- its user-friendly installation and configuration processes. Even if you’re new to Linux, setting up Ubuntu as your hosting environment is relatively straightforward.
6. Thriving community support- The Ubuntu community is vast and supportive. It consists of experienced users and developers who are always ready to lend a helping hand. 
7. Abundant software availability- This rich software ecosystem makes finding and integrating the necessary tools for developing and deploying your Python application effortless.

Procedure for Python App Hosting on Ubuntu 20.04

Install Nginx and Gunicorn:

Before installing any application, we must update the system. Let’s use this code:

sudo apt update

Begin by installing Nginx and Gunicorn on your Ubuntu 20.04 server. Nginx is the front-facing web server. Install it by:

sudo apt install nginx

Gunicorn is the WSGI server responsible for running your Python application. 

The above is how Nginx and Gunicorn work alongside Python applications to deliver the best. Now install Gunicorn by:

sudo apt-get -t stretch-backports install gunicorn3

Create a virtual environment and install Python application dependencies:

Creating a virtual environment to isolate your Python application and its dependencies is recommended. 

It ensures a clean and controlled environment. Use the following:

cd /path/to/your/project 

python3 -m venv venv

source venv/bin/activate

Activate the virtual environment and use pip to install the necessary Python dependencies required for your application to run smoothly.

These codes will help with that:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Create a WSGI entry point for your application:

Create a WSGI entry point to connect your Python application with the Gunicorn server. This entry point acts as a bridge between the web server and your application.

It typically involves creating a Python module or file that defines the application instance or callable object.

Do this with this code:

from your_application import app

if __name__ == “__main__”:

app.run()

Replace your_application with the appropriate module or file name that contains your Flask or Django application.

Create a systemd service file for your application:

To ensure your application starts automatically and can be managed as a system service, you’ll create a systemd service file. 

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/your_application.service

This file specifies the configuration for running your application as a background service. It includes details such as the working directory, user privileges, startup command, etc.

Configure Nginx to proxy requests to your application:

Nginx acts as a reverse proxy, forwarding incoming web requests to your Python application on Gunicorn. 

[Unit]

Description=Gunicorn instance to serve your_application

After=network.target

[Service]

User=your_username

Group=www-data

WorkingDirectory=/path/to/your/project

Environment=”PATH=/path/to/your/project/venv/bin”

ExecStart=/path/to/your/project/venv/bin/gunicorn –workers 3 –bind unix:/path/to/your/project/your_application.sock your_application.wsgi:app

[Install]

WantedBy=multi-user.target

To configure this, you’ll create an Nginx server block, also known as a virtual host, that defines the proxy settings. Use this code:

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

You’ll specify the location of your application, the port Gunicorn is listening on, and any additional settings like SSL certificates or caching directives.

Replace the existing contents with the following configuration, adjusting the paths and server name:

server {

listen 80;

server_name your_domain.com;

location / {

     include proxy_params;

     proxy_pass http://unix:/path/to/your/project/your_application.sock;

}

}

Save the file and exit.

Start your application:

Once all the configurations are in place, it’s time to start your Python application. Activate the virtual environment, enable the systemd service you created, and start it using the appropriate systemctl commands:

sudo systemctl enable your_application

sudo systemctl start your_application

Restart Nginx to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

That’s it, now you are ready to host your Python application.

Ending;

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, Ubuntu provides a robust foundation for confidently hosting and scaling your Python applications.

With these steps successfully set up Python App Hosting on Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 with Nginx and Gunicorn provides a reliable, efficient, and secure environment. 

Choose Ubuntu for seamless Python application hosting.