Manage Node.js and Python Versions with CloudLinux via WHM

Managing multiple app environments, such as Node.js and Python, may be difficult—especially without the right tools. This guide explains how to enable Node.js in WHM, install the Python selector on a WHM server, and set up Node.js and Python apps in cPanel hosting. If you’re using CloudLinux VPS hosting, this guide makes version control easier for developers.

What You Need Before Starting

• CloudLinux OS is installed on your server
• WHM (root access)
• Valid CloudLinux license
• CageFS enabled
• EasyApache 4 available

Install and Activate CloudLinux License

Download the CloudLinux installer:
wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy

Run the installer with your license key:
sh cldeploy -k YOUR_LICENSE_KEY

Replace YOUR_LICENSE_KEY with your real CloudLinux license key.
Alternatively, for IP-based activation, run:
sh cldeploy -i

Reboot your server to apply modifications:
reboot

Install Required Packages:

Run the following commands as root to install alt-nodejs and alt-python on CloudLinux:

• yum groupinstall alt-python alt-nodejs -y
• yum install lvemanager lve-utils cagefs alt-python-virtualenv ea-apache24-mod-passenger -y

After installation, restart the cPanel service and update CageFS.

• cagefsctl –force-update
• /usr/local/cpanel/scripts/restartsrv_cpsrvd

Enable Python & Node.js Selector in WHM

1. Log in to WHM

2. Go to CloudLinux Manager.

3. Open the Options tab.

4. Enable:
Python Selector
Node.js Selector

Enable Passenger for Node.js Apps (Optional)

1. WHM > EasyApache 4
2. Enable mod_alt_passenger
3. Save and rebuild the profile.

Assign Versions to Users (CLI)

To use the command line to set a certain version of Python or Node.js for a user, 

• cl-selector –select python –version 3.9 –user yourusername
• cl-selector –select nodejs –version 18 –user yourusername

User Setup via cPanel

Python App

• cPanel → Software → Setup Python App
• Select a version (e.g., Python 3.10)
• Create a virtual environment
• Install dependencies

Node.js App

• cPanel → Software → Setup Node.js App
• Select the version (example: Node.js 18)
• Set app directory (e.g., /home/user/app)
• Set entry file (e.g., server.js)
• As needed, run npm install.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

• Selector Not Available? If the Node.js selector or Python selector is not visible in your CloudLinux WHM, try remounting CageFS with cagefsctl --remount-all and update the lvemanager package.
• Node.js Not Showing in cPanel? Verify that Node.js packages are properly provisioned in EasyApache 4, then restart Apache.
• App Not Starting? Check the passenger.log file in your virtual environment for errors to diagnose Node.js or Python application startup issues.
• npm Install Fails? Increase the maximum process memory limit in WHM’s Tweak Settings to ensure sufficient resources for your Node.js app.
• Incorrect Python Version? Use cl-selector --select python --version X.X --user USERNAME to confirm the correct Python version is assigned in CloudLinux WHM.

Final Tips

• Use the LTS versions of Node.js and Python
• Run the application in an isolated setting using CageFS
• Restart apps after changes
• Keep packages updated

CloudLinux with WHM makes it easy, safe, and scalable to manage multiple Node.js and Python environments on shared and VPS hosting servers. This powerful combination ensures seamless version control, enhanced security, and optimal performance for web developers and hosting providers managing diverse application stacks.