python-hpilo

What it is and what it does

python-hpilo is a Python library and command-line tool that wraps HP's iLO XML management interface, allowing you to automate server out-of-band management without manually constructing XML or relying on HP's locfg.pl utility. It supports both local management via hponcfg and remote management through iLO's built-in webserver.

The package provides a straightforward API for common iLO operations—querying chassis information, managing users, activating licenses, and other administrative tasks—callable from Python code or shell scripts. It has no runtime dependencies, making installation and deployment simple. However, the project is aging: the last release was in 2021, and while the repository receives occasional commits, active development has slowed significantly.

Use it for:

• Automate user provisioning and license activation across multiple HP servers in a data center without manual XML editing.
• Query iLO hardware status and chassis information programmatically for monitoring or inventory scripts.
• Integrate iLO management into existing infrastructure-as-code or configuration management workflows.
• Build custom command-line tools for iLO administration tailored to your organization's procedures.
• Manage blade server chassis information and out-of-band settings remotely from a central management host.

Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying

Automates HP iLO (Integrated Lights Out) server management through a Python library and command-line tool, eliminating the need to manually write XML or use HP's perl-based locfg.pl utility.

Yes, if you manage HP iLO devices up to iLO 4 and need Python automation. The package is stable, has no dependencies, and works across operating systems. However, verify compatibility with your iLO version (support stated only through iLO 4) and test with your Python version before deploying to production, as the project is aging and last released in 2021. Not recommended if you require active maintenance or support for newer iLO versions.

Install

python-hpilo on PyPI

pip install python-hpilo

uv add python-hpilo

poetry add python-hpilo

Installing python-hpilo

Before you install

Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Maintenance is aging—last release was 2021-01-16 and the last commit 2025-09-19, indicating the project receives occasional updates but is not actively developed. Suitable for stable, legacy iLO automation tasks.

License in practice

License treatment is marked unclear in the metadata. The description states the software is dual-licensed under GNU General Public License version 3 or later and Apache Software License, but the package metadata does not formally declare this. Verify the actual license terms in the repository before use in proprietary or restricted-license contexts.

Quickstart

pip install python-hpilo

import hpilo
ilo = hpilo.Ilo('example-server.int.kaarsemaker.net')
chassis = ilo.get_oa_info()
print(chassis['ipaddress'])

Requires network access to an HP iLO interface (local via hponcfg or remote via iLO's webserver). iLO credentials and connectivity must be configured before use.

Verify before relying

• Current Python version compatibility beyond the stated support for Python 2.6, 2.7, 3.5+—whether it works with modern Python 3.10+.
• Whether the package works with iLO 5 and newer versions, given the last release predates iLO 5's general availability.
• Actual license declaration in the repository—metadata shows 'unclear' despite description mentioning GPL and Apache.

Package facts

Evidence: python_hpilo-4.4.3-py3-none-any.whl

Tags

More Networking packages