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
