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python-http-server

Start, list, and stop Python HTTP servers on specified ports.

Updated Mar 3, 2026
Search Tags:#python#port management#local development#web server#http server#file serving
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/derickson/skm-claude-skill-manager --skill python-http-server
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: python-http-server
Source: https://github.com/derickson/skm-claude-skill-manager/tree/main/.claude/skills/python-http-server
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/derickson/skm-claude-skill-manager --skill python-http-server

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill simplifies the process of starting, managing, and stopping local HTTP servers using Python's built-in http.server module, making it easy to serve files from any directory.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Start a Server: Quickly launch an HTTP server in a specified directory on an available port (8000, 8080, or 8888).
  • List Running Servers: View details (PID, Port, Directory) of all active Python HTTP servers.
  • Stop Servers: Terminate specific servers by port or stop all running servers.
  • Use Case: You've just finished a static website project and need to quickly preview it locally. Use this Skill to start a server in your project's root directory.

Quick Start

Use the python-http-server skill to start a server in the current directory on port 8000.

Frequently Asked Questions about python-http-server

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I start a local HTTP server to serve files from a specific directory?▼

You can start a local HTTP server by specifying a target directory and an available port. The server uses Python's built-in http.server module to serve files directly from that location over the web.

What is the easiest way to serve a static website locally for previewing?▼

Serving a static website locally is done by launching a Python HTTP server in the project's root directory. This allows you to quickly preview your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files in a browser.

How do I list and stop running Python HTTP servers on my machine?▼

You can list running Python HTTP servers to view their PID, port, and directory. To stop them, you terminate specific servers by port or PID, or stop all active servers at once.

What happens if the port I want to use for my local web server is already taken?▼

When a port conflict occurs, the server handles it by attempting sequential port allocation. It tries alternative ports like 8000, 8080, or 8888 to find an available one for your local development server.

Do I need to install any dependencies to run a local file server with Python?▼

No dependencies are required to run this local file server. It manages Python HTTP servers using the built-in python3 -m http.server module, which is included in standard Python installations.

Can I manage multiple local development servers on different ports at the same time?▼

You can manage multiple local development servers simultaneously. The skill supports starting servers on different directories and ports, listing all active processes, and terminating them individually by PID or port.

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