Deploying a Node.js App to Hostinger VPS

Learn how to smoothly deploy your Node.js application to a Hostinger VPS, covering all essential steps from initial setup to live deployment.
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Deploying a Node.js App to Hostinger VPS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Deploying a Node.js application can seem daunting, especially if you've never worked with a Virtual Private Server (VPS) before. However, with Hostinger's VPS, the process is streamlined and user-friendly. This guide will walk you through the elements of setting up, deploying, and managing your Node.js app on Hostinger VPS.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

A Node.js application ready for deployment.

A Hostinger VPS account.

Basic knowledge of SSH command-line operations.

An SSH client (built-in Terminal for macOS/Linux or PuTTY for Windows).

Step 1: Setting Up Your Hostinger VPS

Purchase and Log In: If you haven't already, purchase a VPS plan from Hostinger that suits your needs. Once purchased, you can access your VPS through the Hostinger control panel.

Accessing VPS via SSH: Use your SSH client to connect to your VPS. For example:

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Update the System: Always ensure that your system is up-to-date.

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Step 2: Installing Node.js and npm

Use the following commands to install Node.js along with npm (Node Package Manager):

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Verify the installation:

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Step 3: Uploading Your Node.js Application

Using SCP or SFTP: Securely transfer your application files to the VPS using tools like SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) or an SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla).

Clone from Git (optional): If your application is hosted on a Git repository, you can clone it directly:

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Step 4: Installing Dependencies and Running Your Application

Navigate to Your Application Directory:

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Install Dependencies:

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Start the Application:

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Replace app.js with the entry point of your application.

Step 5: Setting Up Process Manager

To ensure that your application remains running in the background, utilize a process manager like PM2.

Install PM2 Globally:

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Start Your Node.js Application with PM2:

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Save the PM2 Process List and Make it Restart on Reboot:

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Step 6: Configuring the Server

For seamless access to your application via a domain name, set up a reverse proxy using Nginx:

Install Nginx:

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Configure Nginx:
Create a new configuration file for your application:

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Add the following configuration:

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Enable the Configuration and Test Nginx:

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Restart Nginx:

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Conclusion

Deploying a Node.js application to Hostinger VPS involves multiple steps, from setup and configuration of your environment to ensuring your application runs seamlessly. By following this guide, you should have your Node.js app live and accessible via a domain name, handled efficiently by Nginx and managed by PM2.

Successful deployment can open up a myriad of opportunities for showcasing your application to the world, allowing you to focus more on development and less on infrastructure management.