Configure Flask dev server to be visible across the network
For network-wide accessibility of a Flask app, explicitly run the server with host='0.0.0.0':
Verify that firewall rules allow external communication on Flask's default port, 5000, and Don’t Forget to Replace <Your-IP> with Your Actual IP 🏹.
If running from a command line, use:
Direct code configuration inside the Flask app also works:
Remember to locate your IPv4 for sharing access within a network.
Unraveling the network puzzle
Network disruptions can alter local IPs, so keep a lookout for changes:
- Check the IPv4 for modifications when the server seems unreachable.
- Watch out for an
OSError: [WinError 10013], the shout of an access error. - Any port blocking the radio? Use
netstat -na|findstr <port>to inspect port usage.
About those walls and other dangers
The Flask development server isn’t ready for life in the wild - note that your firewall settings may save you from malicious bugs 🐛:
- Ensure you're
Open Sesamewith firewall rules, permit traffic from your Flask's magic carpet ride, er... port. - Remember, your Flask Genie isn't ready for the whole new world - don't use it in production.
Running Flask – persistently
(in Dory's voice) Just keep running, running... 🐠. To keep Flask running even when you quit your terminal:
For Windows users, the equivalent start /b, or perhaps Task Scheduler, is the magic spell.
Final advice, young padawan
While this journey makes your app network-ready, remember Dynamo — not the magician but the production environment — await your Flask app. Be sure to adopt reliable solutions, keep your dependencies updated, and securely manage environment variables.
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