How to run a python script using pm2 in EC2 instance in aws

Suppose 👍 you have this structure:

habit-tracker/
├── bot.py
└── myvenv/

and you want to run bot.py using PM2, but with the Python interpreter from myvenv.

Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Install PM2 (if not installed)

npm install -g pm2

2. Use your virtual environment’s Python

Find the full path of your virtualenv’s Python:

cd habit-tracker
pwd   # (note this absolute path)

# Now check your venv Python path:
./myvenv/bin/python --version

Suppose it’s /home/user/habit-tracker/myvenv/bin/python.

3. Start your bot.py with PM2

Run this:

pm2 start /home/user/habit-tracker/myvenv/bin/python -- bot.py

Explanation:

  • pm2 start <python_interpreter> -- <script>
  • This tells PM2 to use the venv’s Python to run your script.

4. (Optional) Give it a name

pm2 start /home/user/habit-tracker/myvenv/bin/python --name habit-bot -- bot.py

5. Save process list so it restarts on reboot

pm2 save
pm2 startup

Follow the instructions after pm2 startup.

6. Check logs

pm2 logs habit-bot

✅ That’s it. Now your bot.py will run under myvenv and be managed by PM2.

Do you also want me to show you how to set this up with a ecosystem.config.js file so you don’t have to type the full command each time?