python-script

Python Script Sample

Simple Python script demonstrating Aspire's Python integration with automatic virtual environment management.

This sample shows how Aspire 13's Python support automatically manages Python applications, including virtual environment creation and dependency installation.

Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Aspire CLI
• Python 3.8+

Commands

aspire run      # Run locally

Overview

The application consists of:

• Aspire AppHost - Orchestrates the Python script
• Python Script - Simple console application that processes messages

Key Code

The apphost.ts configuration shows the minimal setup for Python scripts:

import { createBuilder } from "./.modules/aspire.js";

const builder = await createBuilder();

await builder.addPythonApp("script", "./script", "main.py");

await builder.build().run();

What Aspire's Python Integration Does

When you run this sample, Aspire's Python integration automatically:

1. Creates a Virtual Environment:

   • Aspire detects your Python application and creates a .venv directory
   • This isolates the Python environment from your system Python installation

2. Runs Your Script:

   • Aspire executes your Python script using the virtual environment's Python interpreter
   • Example: .venv/bin/python main.py (or .venv/Scripts/python.exe on Windows)
   • No dependencies needed: This sample has no external dependencies, just pure Python!

3. Provides Environment Variables:

   • OTEL_SERVICE_NAME: Service name for observability
   • Other Aspire-specific variables for integration

4. Displays Output:

   • All console output appears in the Aspire Dashboard
   • Logs are aggregated with other services

Note: This sample intentionally has no requirements.txt or pyproject.toml to demonstrate running simple Python scripts with just a virtual environment and no external dependencies.

Key Features

• Minimal Configuration: Just point to your Python script - Aspire handles the rest
• Virtual Environment Management: Automatic .venv creation and activation
• No Web Server: Demonstrates running Python console applications
• Environment Integration: Aspire provides standard environment variables
• Logging: Script output appears in the Aspire Dashboard console view

How It Works

1. Initialization: Aspire creates a virtual environment in ./script/.venv
2. Execution: The script runs using the virtual environment's Python (no dependencies to install!)
3. Lifecycle: The script runs once and completes
4. Dashboard Integration: All output is visible in the Aspire Dashboard

VS Code Integration

This sample includes VS Code configuration for Python development:

• .vscode/settings.json: Configures the Python interpreter to use the Aspire-created virtual environment
• After running aspire run, open the sample in VS Code for full IntelliSense support
• The virtual environment at script/.venv will be automatically detected

Running Without Aspire

The Python script is just a normal Python application. You can also run it directly:

cd script
python main.py

However, Aspire adds:

• Automatic virtual environment management
• Integrated logging and observability
• Environment variable injection
• Unified dashboard view