How Do I Deploy a Node.js Application on Hostinger?
Deploying a Node.js application on Hostinger can seem tricky at first, but with the right steps, you can get your application running smoothly. This guide explains the complete process of deploying your Node.js application on Hostinger's hosting platform.
Prerequisites
Before starting the deployment process, make sure you have:
- A Hostinger hosting account
- A working Node.js application
- Basic knowledge of using SSH and command line
- Access to your Hostinger control panel
Setting Up Your Hosting Environment
The first step involves preparing your hosting environment. Log in to your Hostinger control panel and select your hosting package. Look for the SSH Access section and enable it if not already activated. You'll need SSH access to run Node.js commands on your server.
Once SSH is enabled, note down your server's hostname, username, and password. You'll use these credentials to connect to your server via SSH client.
Connecting to Your Server
Open your terminal or SSH client and connect to your server using the following command format:
Bash
After entering your password, you'll gain access to your server's command line interface. This is where you'll execute most of your deployment commands.
Installing Node.js on Your Server
Hostinger provides Node.js through their Node.js Selector tool. In your control panel, find the Node.js section and select the version you want to use. Make sure it matches your application's requirements. The system will automatically install Node.js and npm.
Uploading Your Application
You have two main options for uploading your application files:
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Using FTP/SFTP: Upload your files through an FTP client like FileZilla. Connect to your server using your FTP credentials from the Hostinger control panel.
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Using Git: If your project is on a Git repository, you can clone it directly to your server. First, install Git if needed:
Bash
Configuring Your Application
After uploading your files, navigate to your application directory through SSH and install dependencies:
Bash
Create a proper production configuration for your application. Make sure to:
- Set the correct port (Hostinger typically uses port 8080)
- Update environment variables
- Configure database connections if needed
Setting Up Process Management
To keep your Node.js application running continuously, you'll need a process manager. Hostinger supports PM2, which is recommended for production environments.
Install PM2 globally:
Bash
Start your application with PM2:
Bash
Domain Configuration
In your Hostinger control panel, set up your domain to point to your Node.js application. Create a new subdomain or use your main domain, then configure the proxy settings to forward requests to your Node.js application port.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your application isn't working as expected, check these common issues:
- Port conflicts - Make sure your application uses the correct port
- File permissions - Set proper read/write permissions for your application files
- Node.js version compatibility - Verify your code works with the installed Node.js version
- Process manager status - Check if PM2 is running your application correctly
Monitoring Your Application
Use PM2's monitoring features to track your application's performance:
Bash
This command shows real-time information about your application's CPU usage, memory consumption, and logs.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your application running smoothly with these maintenance practices:
- Regularly update your Node.js version
- Monitor application logs for errors
- Back up your application files
- Update npm packages periodically
- Check server resource usage
Following these steps will help you successfully deploy and maintain your Node.js application on Hostinger. The platform provides a reliable environment for running Node.js applications, and with proper configuration, your application will run efficiently and securely.
