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Discover how to properly configure Apache to serve your Python scripts as downloadable text files without executing them. This guide offers clear solutions and troubleshooting tips.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/135849/ asked by the user 'Grant' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/30/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/135895/ provided by the user 'djsadinoff' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/22369/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Serve a Python Script with Apache Instead of Running It

If you’ve ever tried to host a Python script on an Apache web server, you’ve likely encountered a frustrating problem: instead of simply downloading the script, the server attempts to execute it as a program. This common issue can be puzzling, especially when you don’t have full control over the server configuration. So, how can you get Apache to serve your script as a downloadable text file? Let’s explore the solution.

Understanding the Problem

When you upload a Python script (with a .py extension) to your web server, Apache is designed to execute the script instead of offering it as a text file. This behavior often leads to confusion, especially if you want users to download or view the script in its raw form.

In certain cases, you might have attempted to use the .htaccess file to set the correct headers so that your script is served as plain text. However, this approach sometimes fails due to existing server configurations or syntax errors.

Solution: Update Your .htaccess Configuration

Key Steps to Follow

To successfully configure Apache to serve your Python script without executing it, you need to modify your .htaccess file. Here’s how:

Access Your .htaccess File: Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your web server. If it doesn’t exist, you can create one using a text editor.

Remove Any Existing Handlers:

The first step is to prevent Apache from executing .py files. This is done by adding a line to remove any existing handlers for Python scripts.

Add the following line to your .htaccess file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Set the Correct MIME Type:

Next, you need to specify that Python files should be treated as plain text instead. This is done by using the AddType directive.

You can add the following line in the same .htaccess file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Example Configuration

Here’s a sample of how your .htaccess file may look after you’ve made the necessary changes:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Troubleshooting Tips

If your changes still don’t seem to take effect, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check Server Errors: If you’re still hitting a 500 Internal Server Error after making the changes, make sure there are no syntax errors in your .htaccess file.

Server Overrides: Sometimes, server-wide configurations may override your .htaccess settings. In such cases, you may need to consult with your hosting provider for assistance.

File Permissions: Ensure that your Python script file has the correct permissions set for the web server to access it.

Conclusion

Hosting your Python script on an Apache server without executing it can be straightforward with the right configuration. By editing your .htaccess file to RemoveHandler and setting the proper MIME type, you can successfully serve your script as a downloadable text file. If you encounter any issues, remember to check for errors or consult with your hosting service for further support.

With these adjustments, your users can now download your Python scripts without encountering any frustrating execution errors.