simple_flask_server

A Flask equivalent of python -m http.server.

This package provides a simple HTTP server that serves files from the current directory or a specified directory, just like Python's built-in http.server module, but implemented with Flask.

Features

• Serves files from a specified directory.
• Lists directory contents if index.html or index.htm is not found.
• Redirects to add a trailing slash for directories.
• Extends server functionality by loading external Python files.
• Dynamically adds routes from a command-line string.

Installation

It is recommended to use uv for installation.

uv tool install simple_flask_server

Alternatively, you can use pip:

pip install simple_flask_server

Usage

Run the server from the command line:

simple-flask-server [path] [options]

Arguments

• path (optional): The directory to serve files from. If not specified, it defaults to the current working directory.

Options

• -h, --help: Show this help message and exit.
• --bind BIND, -b BIND: Specify the address and port to bind to (e.g., 0.0.0.0:8080).
• --ext EXT, -e EXT: Execute a Python file in the context of the Flask app. This allows for adding custom routes. Can be specified multiple times.
• --cmd CMD [CMD ...], -c CMD [CMD ...]: Execute a program passed in as a string.
• --open, -o: Open the default web browser to the server's address.

Examples

To serve files from the current directory on the default address and port:

simple-flask-server

To serve files from a specific directory (e.g., /var/www):

simple-flask-server /var/www

To run the server on a different address and port (e.g., all interfaces on port 8080):

simple-flask-server -b 0.0.0.0:8080

To open the browser automatically:

simple-flask-server -o

Extending the Server

You can extend the server with custom Python code or external commands.

Using --ext

Specify a Python file to execute. The file is executed in the context of the Flask application, allowing you to define new routes. This option can be used multiple times.

Example:

The samples/json-entry.py file provides a simple example of a custom endpoint:

@app.route('/sample-api', methods=["POST"])
def post1():
    print(dict(request.json))
    return {"hello":"world"}

To run the server and load this extension:

simple-flask-server -e samples/json-entry.py

You can then send requests to the new endpoint:

curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"key":"value"}' http://127.0.0.1:8001/sample-api

The server will respond with:

{
  "hello": "world"
}

Using --cmd

Execute a Python script string. This is useful for defining simple, dynamic routes on the fly.

Example:

simple-flask-server \
-c "@app.route('/api', methods=['POST'])
def api():
  print(dict(request.json))
  return {'hello':'world'}
"

More concisely:

simple-flask-server -c "app.route('/api', methods=['POST'])(lambda : {'hello':'world'})"

You can then call this new endpoint:

curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"key":"value"}' http://127.0.0.1:8001/api

The server will respond with:

{
  "hello": "world"
}

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Author

Atsuo Ishimoto