Setting Up Node.js Applications

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 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 22 LTS via NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

# Verify
node -v
npm -v
  

  # Install Node.js 22 LTS via NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_22.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 dependencies
npm install --production
  

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"

# Save the process list so it restarts on reboot
pm2 save
pm2 startup
  

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