README for PyApache
===================

This module, contained in the file ``mod_pyapache.c'', embeds the
Python Interpreter into the Apache HTTP Server (for information about
it see <http://www.apache.org/apache/>), allowing Python CGI scripts
to be executed natively. These scripts will run MUCH faster than
ordinary scripts since the Interpreter need not be launched for every
script, requiring only a warm restart.

Further, it may be configured at runtime to change its behaviour or to
set the load path of the interpreter (equivalent to the PYTHONPATH
environment variable), its verbosity and debug level (PYTHONVERBOSE
and PYTHONDEBUG respectively).

When the server starts, or when this module gets dynamically loaded by
it, the Python environment is initialized, but the interpreter is not
istantiated. Then, whenever a suitable request comes in, a single
interpreter is created to execute the request, then the instance is
destroyed.

In other words, each requested Python script gets executed by its own
interpreter: this means that they have exacly the same behaviour as if
executed with traditional CGI method.

NB: this module requires Apache 1.3, the latest version of the
server as I'm writing this. On the Python side, you will need version
1.5 or higher installed. Its compilation and link step require
Python's library, that is installed with ``make libainstall'' in the
interpreter's source directory.

I will try to keep it in sync with future releases of both the server
and the interpreter, but I'm not making promises.

Enjoy,
Lele Gaifax - lele@seldati.it


How to get latest PyApache
==========================

The latest version of the module is available at
<ftp://www.bel-epa.com//pub/misc/>, where you will find a gzipped tar
file named something like PyApache-x.yy.tar.gz. There is also a page
dedicated to the module, at <http://www.msg.com.mx/pyapache/>.


Developers mailing list
=======================

Alejandro Escalante Medina <amedina@msg.com.mx> renewed the interest about
enhancing the module, setting up a mailing list devoted to coordinate
development efforts of the PyApache module.

To subscribe send a message to "majordomo@msg.com.mx" saying:

subscribe pyapache-devel

on the message body.

