> I should have mentioned, I am thinking about using a python framework, > either django, turbogears, or pylons. > > I think these frameworks require a newer version of python, maybe 2.4.
I can't speak for the others, but I know Django can be deployed with 2.3+ (though they offer some nicities if using 2.4). > Also, I think some of them require a newer version of Apache - 2.0 or mod_python requires Apache 2.x so if you're deploying with mod_python, yes. However, if you deploy with lighty+fastcgi, it's moot what version of Apache you have. :) > better. I also think these python frameworks all work with fastcgi, > which - I think - is possible with hostmonster. Although fastcgi is > acceptable, it is generally not the preferred solution. The preferred Django deployment environments are - Apache + mod_python - Apache + FastCGI - lighttpd + FastCGI > I do not think you will get reasonable performance with CGI, even if > factcgi/mod_python/wsgi are not officially required. No...with plain-ol'-CGI, performance is abysmal...the entire framework would be reloaded for each request. Possibly feasible for development if you're patient and have nothing better, but CGI is a generally bad idea. > Also, I doubt you will find mod_python on any "standard" shared > hosting. To get a python-framework environment, you usually have to get a better hosting service as the need for mod_python or fastcgi limits you to these hosting services. That means no bottom-of-the-barrel priced hosting services (which usually just offer static pages, basic CGI, or PHP). If one *must* use python in a CGI environment, I'll plug WebStack (the author lurks here on c.l.p, IIRC) which does a nice job of abstracting deployment environments so you can deploy to a variety of targets with minimal fuss. I have several projects in the wild that use WebStack, before I found Django. -tkc -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list