I want to execute a Python script from PHP and apparently there are two completely different methods to do it.
The first method is to install Python on Wampserver (which I am using). The method described here involves extra files (mod_wsgi) and some modification (httpd.conf). I tried this method and Wampserver started failing (localhost not available) which was resolved by removing mod_wsgi.
The second method is by simply using the shell_exec command (example) which executes the Python script without any problems. I was a little surprised at how easy it was to do it and I have no idea why it works. I assume that the shell used is that of the current server's. Does this mean that I can also use installed external libraries in that script (e.g. OpenCV / cv2)?
What are the differences between the two methods and why is method 1 so complicated?
