Seamless Deployment of Python + Selenium Applications without Dockerization

In the development of Python-based Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that require integration with Selenium, deploying the application on a server environment poses challenges, particularly in efficiently running Selenium. While dockerization is a common solution, it may not always align with project requirements. This article explores an alternative approach to deploying Python + Selenium applications without dockerization, leveraging render.com as the hosting platform.

Methodology

The author investigates the feasibility of deploying Python + Selenium applications in a native Python environment using render.com. A bash script is employed to install Chrome directly on the server, overcoming limitations in running Selenium efficiently. Dependencies are installed, and build and start commands are configured within the render.com environment.

Script for Chrome Installation:

#!/usr/bin/env bash

# exit on error

set -o errexit



STORAGE_DIR=/opt/render/project/.render



if [[ ! -d $STORAGE_DIR/chrome ]]; then

  echo "...Downloading Chrome"

  mkdir -p $STORAGE_DIR/chrome

  cd $STORAGE_DIR/chrome

  wget -P ./ https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

  dpkg -x ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb $STORAGE_DIR/chrome

  rm ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

  cd $HOME/project/src # Make sure we return to where we were

else

  echo "...Using Chrome from cache"

fi



pip install -r requirements.txt



# be sure to add Chromes location to the PATH as part of your Start Command

# export PATH="${PATH}:/opt/render/project/.render/chrome/opt/google/chrome"

Results

The proposed method enables seamless deployment of Python + Selenium applications without the need for dockerization. By executing the bash script to install Chrome on the server and configuring build and start commands, the application can run smoothly within the render.com environment. This approach provides a robust framework for deploying Python applications integrated with Selenium.

The findings highlight an alternative approach to deploying Python + Selenium applications, addressing limitations in running Selenium on server environments. By leveraging render.com and executing a bash script for Chrome installation, the need for dockerization is bypassed, aligning with project requirements. Further optimizations and refinements to the deployment process can enhance efficiency and scalability.

Conclusion

Deploying Python + Selenium applications without dockerization is achievable by leveraging render.com and executing a bash script for Chrome installation on the server. By configuring build and start commands, the application can run seamlessly within the render.com environment. This approach offers flexibility and scalability while aligning with project requirements, providing a viable alternative to dockerization for Python application deployment.