What are the first steps to get started with Google Cloud Platform's App Engine Python?
To get started with Google Cloud Platform's App Engine Python, there are several initial steps that you need to follow. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed explanation of these steps, allowing you to gain a solid understanding of how to begin using the App Engine Python on Google Cloud Platform.
Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Platform Account
The first step is to create a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) account. If you already have a Google account, you can use it to sign up for GCP. Otherwise, you will need to create a new Google account. Once you have your Google account, go to the GCP website and sign in with your credentials.
Step 2: Create a New Project
After signing in to the GCP console, you will need to create a new project. A project is a logical container for your GCP resources, including App Engine applications. To create a new project, click on the project drop-down menu at the top of the console and select "New Project." Provide a name for your project and click "Create."
Step 3: Enable the App Engine API
Before you can start using App Engine Python, you need to enable the App Engine API for your project. To do this, navigate to the API Library in the GCP console. Search for "App Engine Admin API" and click on it. On the API page, click the "Enable" button to enable the API for your project.
Step 4: Install the Cloud SDK
To interact with GCP from your local machine, you will need to install the Cloud SDK. The Cloud SDK provides a command-line interface (CLI) that allows you to manage your GCP resources. You can download the Cloud SDK from the GCP website and follow the installation instructions for your specific operating system.
Step 5: Initialize the Cloud SDK
Once the Cloud SDK is installed, you need to initialize it by running the following command in your terminal or command prompt:
gcloud init
This command will guide you through the process of authorizing the SDK and setting default configuration options. Make sure to select the project you created in step 2 when prompted.
Step 6: Create an App Engine Application
Now that your project is set up and the Cloud SDK is initialized, you can create your first App Engine application. In your terminal or command prompt, navigate to the directory where you want to create your application. Then, run the following command:
gcloud app create
This command will prompt you to choose a region for your App Engine application. Select the region closest to your target audience or leave it as the default.
Step 7: Create a Python App Engine Project
To create a Python App Engine project, you need to create a directory structure and some essential files. In your terminal or command prompt, navigate to the directory where you want to create your project. Then, run the following commands:
mkdir my_app cd my_app touch app.yaml main.py
The `app.yaml` file is the configuration file for your App Engine application, and the `main.py` file is the entry point for your Python code.
Step 8: Write and Deploy Your App
Now it's time to write your Python code and deploy your App Engine application. Open the `main.py` file in a text editor and write your Python code. For example, you can create a simple "Hello, World!" application like this:
python
from flask import Flask
app = Flask(__name__)
@app.route('/')
def hello():
return 'Hello, World!'
if __name__ == '__main__':
app.run()
Save the `main.py` file and return to your terminal or command prompt. Run the following command to deploy your application:
gcloud app deploy
This command will package and upload your application to the App Engine, and it will provide you with a URL where you can access your deployed application.
Congratulations! You have successfully taken the first steps to get started with Google Cloud Platform's App Engine Python. You now have a basic understanding of how to create a GCP account, create a new project, enable the App Engine API, install the Cloud SDK, initialize it, create an App Engine application, create a Python App Engine project, write your Python code, and deploy your application.
Other recent questions and answers regarding App Engine Python:
- How can you test the app locally and what should you expect to see?
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