Run Python scripts in Anvil

Anvil Scripts are single-file Python scripts you can run inside your Anvil app, either directly from the Anvil Editor or from your app’s Python code. A Script runs from start to finish, like a Python script you run on your computer, which makes it a good fit for tasks such as seeding a database or analyzing a file.

In this tutorial, we’ll build a simple file analyser. It uses the filetype package to inspect a file and infer its file type. We’ll first run the Script directly in the Editor, then call it from a simple front-end that we’ll build.

We’ll learn how to:

  • Create and run a Script in the Anvil Editor
  • Pass arguments into a Script
  • Return a value from a Script
  • Call a Script from the front-end and display the result
The finished file analyser app

Finished file analyser app

You don't need any prior experience with Anvil or web development to complete this tutorial.

All you'll need is a little bit of Python. If you’re new to Python, here are some resources to help you get started.


Chapters

In this tutorial, you'll:

Create and run a Script

Write and run a Script that analyses file types.

Build the front-end

Build the user interface and connect it to the Script.

Accept arguments and return values from a Script

Update the Script so it accepts an uploaded file and returns the detected file type.