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# Use executable objects with gateway services

> Configure Python services to use custom Python interpreters with executable objects.

You can use executable objects with Python services to specify a custom Python interpreter for your Python scripts. This allows different Python services to use different Python versions or configurations.

While this topic focuses on Python services as an example, executable objects also work with Ansible and OpenTofu services.

You can use executable objects to specify custom versions or installations of any supported tool.

## When to use executable objects with Python services

Use executable objects with Python services when you need to:

* Run different Python services with different Python versions (for example, Python 2 and Python 3)
* Use a Python interpreter installed in a non-standard location
* Use Python from a `conda` environment or `pyenv` installation
* Apply specific command-line flags to your Python interpreter

## Default behavior

If you don't specify an executable object, Python services use the system default Python interpreter. This maintains backward compatibility with existing Python services.

## Prerequisites

* An executable object configured with a Python interpreter path
* A Git repository that contains your Python script
* Operator role permissions
* Repository authentication configured (if using a private repository)

## Create a Python service with an executable object

Use the `iagctl create service python-script` command with the `--executable-object` parameter to create a Python service that uses a custom interpreter.

**Syntax:**

```bash
iagctl create service python-script <service-name> \
  --executable-object <object-name> \
  --repository <repository-name> \
  --working-dir <directory-path> \
  --filename <script-filename>
```

**Parameters:**

* `<service-name>`: A unique name for the Python service
* `--executable-object`: The name of the executable object that defines the Python interpreter
* `--repository`: The name of the Git repository that contains your Python script
* `--working-dir`: The path within the repository where your script is located
* `--filename`: The name of the Python script file to execute

**Example:**

Create a Python service that uses Python 3.11:

```bash
iagctl create service python-script simple-python \
  --executable-object python311-standard \
  --repository gateway-resources \
  --working-dir pythonscripts \
  --filename main.py
```

## Examples for different Python installations

### Use Python from a conda environment

```bash
iagctl create executable-object python-conda \
  --exec-command /opt/conda/envs/myenv/bin/python \
  --description "Python from conda environment"

iagctl create service python-script conda-python-service \
  --executable-object python-conda \
  --repository data-science-scripts \
  --working-dir analysis \
  --filename analyze.py
```

### Use Python from pyenv

```bash
iagctl create executable-object python-pyenv \
  --exec-command /home/user/.pyenv/versions/3.10.5/bin/python \
  --description "Python 3.10.5 from pyenv"

iagctl create service python-script pyenv-python-service \
  --executable-object python-pyenv \
  --repository automation-scripts \
  --working-dir python \
  --filename automation.py
```

### Use a specific Python version for testing

```bash
iagctl create executable-object python39-test \
  --exec-command /usr/bin/python3.9 \
  --description "Python 3.9 for compatibility testing"

iagctl create service python-script test-python-service \
  --executable-object python39-test \
  --repository test-suite \
  --working-dir tests \
  --filename run_tests.py
```

## Run a Python service with an executable object

Run Python services the same way you run other services:

```bash
iagctl run service python-script simple-python
```

Itential Gateway uses the executable object configuration to run your Python script with the correct Python interpreter.

## Static environments and executable objects

You cannot use static environments and executable objects together in the same Python service. If you configure a Python service with both a static environment and an executable object, Gateway returns an error.

Choose one of the following approaches for each Python service:

* Use a static environment for package management with the system Python interpreter
* Use an executable object to specify a custom Python interpreter without static environments

> Configure Python services to use custom Python interpreters with executable objects.