How to Run Python Scripts on Shared Hosting (4 Easy Steps)
Running Python on a shared hosting server doesn’t have to be complicated. If you aren’t using a heavy framework like Django or Flask and just need to execute a standalone script, the CGI (Common Gateway Interface) method is your fastest route.
Follow these four steps to get your script live in minutes:
1. Upload Your Script
Upload your .py file to your desired directory (usually public_html or a subfolder) using FTP or your File Manager.
2. Configure .htaccess
You need to tell the Apache server how to handle Python files. Create a file named .htaccess in the same folder and add this line:
Apache
AddHandler cgi-script .py
3. Add the Shebang Line
The server needs to know where the Python interpreter is located. Open your .py file and ensure the very first line is:
Python
#!/usr/bin/python
4. Set Permissions
For a script to execute, it needs the correct permissions. Set your .py file permissions to 755 (Read/Write/Execute for Owner, Read/Execute for Group/World).
That’s it! You can now navigate to your script’s URL (e.g., yourdomain.com/script.py) to see it in action.