Docker or Git Deploy
Push your code or a pre-built Docker image. We handle the build and deployment process automatically.
What "Flask hosting" actually means today
Flask is a microframework, which gives you flexibility but also means you need to make decisions about how to run it in production. The built-in development server is not suitable for production.
WSGI Servers (Gunicorn, uWSGI)
In production, Flask requires a WSGI server like Gunicorn or uWSGI to handle concurrent requests. A good hosting platform should make it easy to run these servers without complex configuration.
Why Docker is the standard
Containerizing your Flask app ensures that your Python version, dependencies (requirements.txt), and system libraries are consistent from development to production. It eliminates the "works on my machine" headaches common with virtual environments on shared servers.
How Flask apps are typically hosted
Professional Flask deployments usually follow this architecture:
- Containers: The app runs in a Docker container, often using an official Python base image.
- Database Separation: The database (SQLite is fine for small apps, but PostgreSQL/MySQL is better for production) runs as a separate service.
- Environment Variables: Secrets and config (
SECRET_KEY,DATABASE_URL) are injected at runtime. - Persistent Storage: If your app handles file uploads, you need a persistent volume mounted to the container.
Flask hosting on Hostim.dev
We provide a managed platform that maps directly to the standard Flask architecture.
Built-in Databases
Spin up managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Redis instances alongside your app with a single click or line in your compose file.
Persistent Volumes
Mount volumes for your /static/uploads or SQLite files. Data persists across deployments.
EU Hosting
All data and workloads are hosted in Germany (Falkenstein), ensuring low latency for European users and GDPR compliance.
Is there free Flask hosting?
You might find free tiers on platforms like PythonAnywhere or Render, but they often come with limits:
- Sleep/Cold Starts: Your app spins down after inactivity, leading to slow first requests.
- Restricted Outbound Traffic: Some free tiers block external API calls.
- Ephemeral Filesystems: Uploaded files might disappear when the instance restarts.
Hostim.dev focuses on reliable, paid production hosting. We offer a preview tier for testing, but our main goal is to keep your production apps running smoothly 24/7.
Flask web hosting vs. App hosting
Traditional Web Hosting (Shared): Often designed for PHP. Running Flask might require complex .htaccess or CGI configuration, and you often can't choose your Python version.
App Hosting (PaaS): Designed for modern apps. You define your environment (Dockerfile), dependencies, and start command. This gives you full control and is what Hostim.dev provides.
Is Hostim.dev a good fit?
Who it is for
- Developers who want to deploy standard Flask projects using Docker.
- Teams needing EU-based hosting for GDPR compliance.
- Projects requiring a simple, flat pricing model.
- Applications that need persistent storage and managed databases.
Who it is not for
- Users looking for "cPanel" style shared hosting.
- Massive scale applications requiring complex Kubernetes orchestration.
- Developers who want to manually manage OS updates on a VPS.
How to host a Flask app
The practical workflow on a container-based platform.
- Create a project: A project is an isolated environment for your Flask app and its services.
- Add managed services: Create a PostgreSQL or MySQL database if needed, and Redis if your app uses caching or background jobs.
- Prepare your container: Package your Flask app in a Docker image and run it with a production server such as Gunicorn. You can also connect a Git repository that contains a
Dockerfile. Hostim builds the image if needed. - Create the app: Create an app from the image or repo, then attach the database and any required volumes.
- Configure environment variables: Define application settings, secrets, and database credentials in the dashboard (for example
SECRET_KEYand connection strings). - Deploy and update: Hostim starts the container and keeps it running. Updates are done by redeploying or rebuilding the app, either manually or via CI.
Ready to deploy?
Get your Flask application running in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the free tier include?
You can create free MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis databases, and persistent volumes. App containers start at €2.5/month. Each user gets one 5-day trial project with everything included – apps, DBs, volumes, metrics.
Can I deploy with just a Compose file?
Yes. Paste your Docker Compose YAML and we'll generate the services automatically. You can also deploy from a Dockerfile or Git repository (repo should have Dockerfile so our system can build the image).
Where is my app hosted?
On bare-metal servers located in Germany. We do not use AWS, GCP, or other large cloud providers – your data stays in the EU.
Do I need to know Kubernetes?
No. Hostim.dev removes Kubernetes complexity. You manage apps, databases, and resources – not clusters or YAML.
Is this for solo devs or teams?
Right now, each account manages projects individually. Multi-user roles and team collaboration are planned – we're actively listening to early users to shape this.