Setting Up Node.js Applications

3 min read

Node.js runs server-side JavaScript. How you deploy it depends on whether you’re on shared hosting (cPanel) or a VPS.

On Shared Hosting (cPanel) link

GoZen Host shared plans support Node.js through cPanel’s built-in Node.js selector.

Step 1: Create the Application link

1. Log into cPanel
2. Go to Software → Setup Node.js App
3. Click Create Application
4. Configure:

5. Click Create

Step 2: Upload Your Code link

Upload your project files to the Application root directory. Use File Manager, FTP, or cPanel Git Version Control. Shared plans have no SSH or SFTP.

Your project should include a valid package.json.

Step 3: Install Dependencies link

In the Node.js App screen:

1. Click Run NPM Install. This installs your package.json dependencies
2. Click Restart to start the app

Environment Variables link

Add environment variables in the Node.js App interface:

1. Scroll to Environment variables
2. Click Add Variable
3. Enter the key/value pairs (e.g., NODE_ENV = production)
4. Click Save then Restart

On a VPS link

On a VPS, you have full control. Use PM2 to keep your app running.

Step 1: Install Node.js link

  # Install Node.js 24 LTS via NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_24.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

# Verify
node -v
npm -v
  

  # Install Node.js 24 LTS via NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_24.x | sudo bash -
sudo dnf install -y nodejs

# Verify
node -v
npm -v
  

Step 2: Deploy Your App link

  # Clone or upload your project
cd /var/www
git clone https://github.com/you/your-app.git myapp
cd myapp

# Install production dependencies (npm ci needs a package-lock.json;
# without one, use npm install --omit=dev)
npm ci --omit=dev
  

Step 3: Install and Configure PM2 link

PM2 keeps your app alive, restarts it on crash, and handles logs.

  # Install PM2 globally
sudo npm install -g pm2

# Start your app
pm2 start app.js --name "myapp"

# Generate the boot script. This prints a "sudo env PATH=..." command:
# copy it and run it exactly as printed
pm2 startup

# Then save the process list so it restarts on reboot
pm2 save
  

Step 4: Set Up Nginx as a Reverse Proxy link

  server {
    listen 80;
    server_name yourdomain.com;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:3000;
        proxy_http_version 1.1;
        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
    }
}
  

  # Test and reload Nginx
sudo nginx -t
sudo systemctl reload nginx
  

PM2 Cheat Sheet link

Troubleshooting link

What to Do Next link

• First Boot: Initial Server Setup: secure your VPS before deploying apps
• Monitoring Your Server: watch CPU and memory while your app runs