Setting Up a Node.js Application in cPanel

Introduction:
Looking to set up a Node.js app on Node.Js hosting using cPanel? Node.js support allows you to launch server-side JavaScript apps without root access. This post will help you through the process of creating a Node.js application in cPanel—it’s quick, simple, and easy for beginners.

Requirements:
● Node.js support should be enabled in cPanel (CloudLinux / LVE Manager)
● File manager & FTP Access
● Basic app files (package.json, app.js, or server.js)

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Step-by-step process for setting up a Node.js application in cPanel:
Log in to cPanel:
● Go to the cPanel dashboard of your hosting provider.
● Click on Setup Node.js App under Software.

Create a Node.js Application in cPanel shared hosting:
Click Create Application.

Submit the following information as required.
● Node.js version:
Select your preferred Node.js versions from the list below(Recommended use latest one):
8.17.0, 9.11.2, 10.24.1, 11.15.0, 12.22.9, 14.20.1,16.17.1,18.14.1, 20.10.0, 22.14.0
● Application mode:
Development or Production.
● Application root:
This is the folder where your app files will be stored. It refers to your cPanel home directory (/home/username). For example, typing myapp will result in the entire path /home/username/myapp.

Application root:
It is a physical address to your application on a server that corresponds with its URI. Upload your application files here.

Application URL:
Choose a domain or subdomain where your Node.js app can be accessible.
ex: MyFirstApplication.example-domain.com

Application startup file:
This can be empty or choose file name

Passenger log file:
Keep it empty, it will take automatically file as

/home/username/logs/passenger.log

Last step click “Create”

Upload your project files.
Use File Manager in cPanel or an FTP client like FileZilla to upload your Node.js files.
During setup, be careful to put all the important files, such as package.json, app.js (or server.js), and any other folders, into the folder you chose as the application root.

Install Dependencies:
Return to the setup Node.js app in cPanel.
Click Edit next to your application.
Click Run NPM Install to automatically install all dependencies listed in your package.json file. Note: This step confirms that your app has everything to run it correctly.