Python: Development platform

Prepare your development platform for a smooth and productive experience

👋 Welcome to the Stackhero documentation!

Stackhero provides a ready-to-use Python cloud solution designed to streamline your deployment process:

• Deploy your application to production in seconds with a simple git push.
• Use your own domain name, with automatic HTTPS certificate configuration for secure connections handled for you.
• Rely on automatic backups, one-click updates, and predictable pricing, so you can focus on your code, not infrastructure management.
• Benefit from strong performance and security on a private, dedicated infrastructure. Your environment is isolated and protected.

Save time and simplify your workflow: you can have your code running with Stackhero's Python cloud hosting in just 5 minutes.

A well-prepared development platform makes your workflow smoother and more productive.

This guide covers two effective ways to develop in Python: using a remote, ready-to-code environment or setting up locally on your computer. You will also learn how to install Python with asdf and create a new Python project from scratch.

How to develop: locally or remotely

You can choose between two main approaches for Python development: running everything on your own device, or leveraging a cloud-based workspace such as Code-Hero. Each method has clear strengths. Choose the one that best matches your workflow and requirements.

Local development gives you the ability to work completely offline. This can be helpful if you have limited internet access or need to develop without network interruptions. Setting up your environment takes additional time, and you are responsible for updates, backups, and system maintenance. Your work is also limited to your current device, which can restrict flexibility and performance.

Remote development with a platform like Code-Hero provides an environment that is ready to use right away. You get access to a suite of pre-installed tools, a familiar interface, and cloud resources that often outperform local hardware. You can work from any device with an internet connection, and your workspace is always backed up and secure.

Advanced features such as Docker and Traefik are already set up, so you can use real domains and HTTPS in your development environment. This makes it easy to work with webhooks, test CORS policies, and simulate production-like conditions in seconds, all without manual configuration.

To help you compare:

• Local development (on your computer):

  • ✅ Full offline access: No need for an internet connection
  • ❌ Resource limits: Constrained by your device's hardware
  • ❌ Manual setup: You install and configure everything yourself
  • ❌ Ongoing maintenance: Updates and backups are your responsibility

• Remote development (on Code-Hero):

  • ✅ Instant environment: Start developing right away, tools are pre-installed
  • ✅ Scalable resources: Access to high-performance servers
  • ✅ Work from anywhere: Any device, any location
  • ✅ Production-like testing: Real HTTPS domains and integrations ready
  • ❌ Requires internet: An active connection is needed

Your choice depends on your needs and preferences. If you want to start building immediately with minimal setup and enjoy the flexibility to switch devices, a remote solution is ideal. If you prefer working offline or have specific local requirements, a local environment may work better.

Developing in Python: the remote approach

Choosing a remote environment for Python development removes the friction of manual setup. You can start new projects in seconds, with all necessary tools ready to go.

With Code-Hero, your development workspace runs on high-performance servers, so even demanding projects are smooth and responsive. This lets you focus on writing code and building features, without losing time configuring dependencies or environments.

Once your Code-Hero service is running, you can move straight to creating a Python project. There is no need to follow the local setup steps below.

Developing in Python: the local approach

Setting up Python locally means installing the runtime, dependencies, and development tools on your own machine. This gives you full control, but you are responsible for updates, backups, and making sure your environment stays consistent.

Setting up your local Python environment

For a flexible and consistent setup, you can use asdf, a tool for managing multiple runtime versions. asdf supports not only Python, but also many other languages including Node.js, Ruby, and PHP. It makes it easy to switch between versions and keep your projects isolated.

Traditional Python workflows rely on virtual environments (such as python venv, virtualenv, or mkvirtualenv) to separate dependencies. With asdf, you can manage both Python versions and project environments more robustly, reducing friction and avoiding common version conflicts.

Installing asdf

You can follow the official asdf installation guide to set up asdf on your system.

After installing, verify that asdf is set up correctly by running:

asdf version

This should print the installed version, confirming that asdf is ready.

Installing Python using asdf

To add Python support and install the latest version, you can run:

asdf plugin add python https://github.com/danhper/asdf-python.git
asdf install python latest
asdf global python latest

Once complete, check your Python version:

python --version

This output confirms your Python installation is ready for development.

Creating a Python project

You can start a new Python project with just a few steps:

mkdir my_project
cd my_project

To set the Python version for this project and initialize a Git repository:

asdf install python latest \
  && asdf local python latest

echo "__pycache__/" >> .gitignore

git init
git add -A .
git commit -m "First commit"

These commands create a new directory, configure your Python version for the project, and start version control with an initial commit. You can begin development right away.

A local Git repository has been initialized for your Python project, but it is not yet connected to a remote hosting service.

For reliable backups and collaboration, you can create a repository on platforms like GitLab, GitHub, or Bitbucket.

If you need a dedicated and secure Git hosting solution, Stackhero provides a GitLab cloud service that runs on private infrastructure in Europe or the USA. This option offers fast setup and ensures confidentiality for your code.