How to Create .Pyc File to Run on Web

Compile your Python files and make them go faster.

Python is a popular open source scripting language. Unfortunately, as an interpreted, read-on-the-fly scripting language, it comes with the caveat of being slower than a compiled or statically converted to byte-code language. In high-traffic online applications, speed is critical. Conveniently, Python allows programmers the productivity of a high-level language, while allowing programmers to "compile" python code for greater speed. This makes Python ideal for the web environment, where both programmers and programs need to be fast.

Things You'll Need

• Apache server
• Python
• Text editor

Instructions

1. Install Apache. If you're using Windows, the easiest way to do this is by using the WAMP or XAMPP packages. These packages install Apache through a point and click installer. If you're using Linux, Apache comes installed. Install MAMP if you're using a Mac.

2. Download mod_python from modpython.org. Install Python using mod_python. Installation instructions differ depending on the distribution of Apache you chose in the previous step. Consult your distribution's documentation for specific details. This entails copying the mod_python file to your Apache directory and modifying configuration files specific to the version of Apache being used.

3. Open your text editor. Type "print 'hello world'" and save your file. Copy this file to the home directory of your Apache installation. Usually this is a folder called "htdocs." Run the file by double-clicking on it. Python should have created a .pyc file in that directory. Whenever the original python file is run, the .pyc file is run instead.

References

• Official XAMPP documentation
• Official Python documentation
• Mod Python FAQ