Get stated with Python Flask Framework on IBM Bluemix

This work is based on Getting started with Python on Bluemix Tutorial

The tutorial will develop a Python web application based on Flask framwork and deploy the app on IBM Bluemix. The app shows up a basic form which users can type their names. When hit enter the name will be added to database and can be accessed at http://base_url/api/visitors

1. Requirement

2. Clone example code and run locally

git clone https://github.com/IBM-Bluemix/get-started-python
cd get-started-python
  • Rename your app

Open up manifest.yml, similar like:

    applications:
        - name: Lecheebot
        random-route: true
        memory: 128M

now, you can run your app locally by typing the command:

pip install -r requirements.txt

python hello.py

Your app is now accessible at: http://localhost:8080

3. Deploy to IBM Bluemix using Cloud Foudry CLI

Ensure you have IBM Bluemix accout and installed CF CLI on your machine. if not, follow the steps: [https://github.com/cloudfoundry/cli#downloads

  • Log in to CF CLI

Run CMD as administrator, then login to CF with the commands:

cf api https://api.ng.bluemix.net

cf login

Enter your email and password.

  • Deploy your app

Open CMD at your app reposit that you cloned in the step 2. Execute the command to deploy your app:

cf push

You can view your app status by the command:

cf apps

4. Add Database

  • To connect to Cloudant noSQL DB, follow these steps:

  • Login Bluemix accout

  • Navigate to your app. Click on "Connect new" button on Connections Group. Choose Cloudant NoSQL DB service on the categories. Finally click Create button.
  • Ensure that you connect Cloudant NoSQL DB service to your application. If not, click on the "Connect existing" to connect with service.

Now, You can test your app at your app url.

  • To connect Database for working locally:

  • Create a file with th name vcap-local.json

  • Add the following detail:
{
 "services": {
   "cloudantNoSQLDB": [
     {
       "credentials": {
        "username": "<your_username>",
        "password": "<your_password>",
        "host": "your_host",
        "port": 443,
        "url": "yoururl"

       },
       "label": "cloudantNoSQLDB"
     }
   ]
 }
}

You can find username, password, host by click on Cloudant NoSQL DB service at your IBM Blumix console. Then click on "Service Credentials". Copy and pass information to your vcap-local.json file.

Now you can test your app locally with the database:

python hello.py