How to Install a Python WSGI Application in cPanel

1. Overview

This document explains how to install a Python™ WSGI web application from the command line. Python WSGI is a standardized interface that allows Python applications to run on web servers.

For more information, refer to the Python WSGI documentation and cPanel’s guide on using Python on AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu, and CloudLinux 9 and later.

Warning: WebPros International, LLC does not develop or support Python WSGI applications. cPanel Technical Support cannot assist with these applications. You are responsible for any data loss.

2. Pre‑Installation Settings

Note: Perform all steps as a cPanel user unless otherwise specified. You may also use cPanel’s Terminal interface.

In this guide, pythonapp represents the application name.

Your hosting provider must install pip and the required EasyApache 4 packages.

2.1 Required Packages for CentOS 7, AlmaLinux 8, Rocky Linux 8

• ea-ruby27-mod_passenger
• ea-apache24-mod_env

Recommended: ea-ruby27-ruby-devel

2.2 Required Packages for AlmaLinux 9 / Rocky Linux 9

• ea-apache24-mod-passenger
• ea-apache24-mod_env

Passenger automatically uses the newest installed versions of Ruby, NodeJS, and Python.

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3. Install a Python Application

3.1 Create the Application Directory

mkdir directoryname

3.2 Create a Virtual Environment

virtualenv --python=python3 directoryname

If virtualenv is missing:

pip install virtualenv

3.3 Activate the Virtual Environment

cd directoryname
source bin/activate

3.4 Create the WSGI File

Create passenger_wsgi.py with the following content:

import sys, os

INTERP = "/home/username/pythonapp/bin/python"
if sys.executable != INTERP: os.execl(INTERP, INTERP, *sys.argv)

from pythonapp import app as application

3.5 Install Dependencies

Create a requirements.txt file, then run:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Warning: Dependency versions must match your Python version.

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4. Test the Application

Run the application:

python pythonapp.py

Expected output:

Hello, World!

In another terminal:

curl http://localhost:5000

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5. Register the Application

Use:

cPanel » Home » Software » Application Manager

Access the application at:

http://example.com/pythonapp

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6. Restart the Application

Create a restart.txt file inside the /tmp directory:

pythonapp/tmp/restart.txt

Passenger restarts the application when this file is touched.

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Conclusion

This guide covers the complete process of installing, configuring, testing, and registering a Python WSGI application in cPanel. By following these steps, you can deploy Python applications efficiently using Passenger.