How to Keep Your Python Script Running on AWS Even After SSH Connection Loss

Learn how to ensure your Python scripts continue executing on AWS after losing your SSH connection. Follow these simple steps for a seamless experience.
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How to Keep Your Python Script Running on AWS Even After SSH Connection Loss

Have you ever faced the frustrating experience of losing your SSH connection while executing a Python script on AWS, only to find out that all your hard work has vanished? You thought your script would continue running in the background, but alas, it didn't. If this sounds familiar to you, you're not alone! This is a common issue that many face while working with AWS AMIs using remote servers. In this guide, we’ll look at how to resolve this issue and keep your Python scripts executing even after a disconnection.

The Problem

When you establish an SSH connection to your AWS instance and run a command, that command runs under that session. If your connection drops due to network instability or you manually disconnect, all processes tied to that session would also terminate. This means that any long-running tasks you'd started will stop, leading to loss of progress and time – something no one wants, especially after hours of work.

Understanding the Challenge

Here are key points to understand about this problem:

When you execute a script directly in the terminal, it links to that session.

Losing the connection results in that session’s processes being terminated.

This can result in loss of crucial computations, data processing, or job executions.

The Solution: Using nohup Command

To ensure your Python scripts can keep running on AWS, you can utilize the nohup command. This command allows you to run a process independently of the terminal session, meaning it won’t stop if you get disconnected.

Steps to Use nohup

Follow these steps to use the nohup command for your Python scripts:

Open Your Terminal: Connect to your AWS EC2 instance using PuTTY or your preferred SSH client.

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Run Your Script with nohup: Use the following command to run your script in the background:

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nohup: Stands for "no hang up". It tells the system to ignore the hangup signal.

&: This runs the command in the background, allowing you to continue using the terminal.

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Disconnect Safely: You can now safely disconnect from your session (using the logout command). Your script will continue executing in the background.

Conclusion

By using the nohup command, you can effectively prevent your Python scripts from being interrupted due to SSH disconnections. This solution not only saves you from losing your progress but also allows you to manage long-running tasks on AWS without the anxiety of constant monitoring.

Further Tips:

Consider using tools like screen or tmux for even more flexibility in managing your session and processes.

Now, you can focus on your tasks without worrying about interruptions. Happy coding!