Set Up a Node.js App in cPanel

What is Node.js?

Node.js lets you run JavaScript on a server. Many web apps and APIs use it. An API is a way for programs to talk to each other.

cPanel is the control panel for your hosting account. It is a web page with icons for your files, emails and more.

Before you start

• Your account needs the Node.js tool. If you cannot find it in cPanel, ask Hostvento support whether it is on your plan.
• Upload your app files to a folder in your account first, for example myapp in your home folder. Use File Manager in cPanel.
• Your app needs a package.json file. It lists what your app needs to run.

Steps

1. Log in to your client area at https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php and open cPanel from your hosting service.
2. Find the Software section.
3. Click Setup Node.js App.
4. Click Create Application.
5. Choose a Node.js version from the list. Pick the one your app supports.
6. Set Application mode. Use Production for a live site and Development for testing.

   

7. In Application root, type the folder where your app files are, such as myapp.
8. In Application URL, choose the domain or add a path where the app should appear.
9. In Application startup file, type the main file name, such as app.js.
10. Click Create.
11. Click Run NPM Install. This downloads the add-on code your app needs.
12. Click Restart to start the app.

    

13. Open your app's address in a browser to check it.

If it does not work

• Check that the startup file name is spelled right.
• Check that the application root is the correct folder.

  

• Run NPM Install again, then restart.
• Look at the error log in cPanel for clues.

Quick recap

• Open Setup Node.js App in the Software section of cPanel.
• Pick a version, mode, folder, URL and startup file.
• Run NPM Install, then restart.
• Ask support if the tool is missing.