How to Host a Node.js App Print

Register Domain SA offers fast, reliable Node.js hosting in South Africa. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to deploy and run your first Node.js application - even if you’ve never hosted Node.js before.

Quick Summary:

1. Create the Node.js application in cPanel

2. Upload your project files (including package.json)

3. Run NPM Install (before starting your app)

4. Start (or Restart) the app

What you need before you start

• Access to your hosting account’s cPanel
• A Node.js project with a valid package.json
• Your app’s startup file (commonly app.js, index.js, or server.js)

Step 1: Log in to cPanel and open the Node.js tool

1. Log in to your cPanel.
2. Scroll to the Software section.
3. Click Setup Node.js App.

Tip: If you don’t see “Setup Node.js App”, please make sure that you signed up at Node.js Hosting South Africa

Screenshot: In cPanel, go to Software → Setup Node.js App.

Step 2: Create your Node.js application

1. Click Create Application.
2. Choose the correct settings (explained below).
3. Click Create.

Recommended settings (most common)

Screenshot: Configure the Node.js version, root folder, URL, and startup file.

Step 3: Upload your Node.js app files to the Application Root

After creating the app, upload your project files into the folder you selected as Application Root (example: /home/username/nodeapp).

Option A: Upload with File Manager (recommended)

1. Open File Manager in cPanel.
2. Navigate to your app folder (example: nodeapp).
3. Upload your project files, including:
   • package.json
   • Your Node.js source files (e.g. app.js / index.js)
   • Any folders needed (e.g. routes, public, views)

Screenshot: Upload your Node.js files into the Application Root folder using File Manager.

Step 4: Install dependencies (Run NPM Install)

1. Go back to Setup Node.js App.
2. Find your application in the list.
3. Click Run NPM Install to install dependencies from package.json.

Note: You do not need SSH access. The install process runs inside your application environment.

Step 5: Start the Node.js application

1. In Setup Node.js App, click Start App.
2. Open your domain/subdomain in a browser to confirm the site loads.

Screenshot: Use Start / Restart to apply changes and bring your app online.

Updating your app (files or code changes)

1. Upload your updated files to the same Application Root folder.
2. Click Restart App.
3. If you changed dependencies, run NPM Install again.

Important: Make sure your app listens on the correct port

The environment assigns a port automatically. Your app should listen on process.env.PORT.

const express = require("express");
const app = express();

const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;

app.get("/", (req, res) => res.send("Node.js is running on Register Domain SA!"));

app.listen(PORT, () => console.log(`Listening on ${PORT}`));

Troubleshooting (common Node.js cPanel issues)

1) My app won’t start

• Confirm the Startup File name matches your main file exactly (case-sensitive).
• Make sure package.json exists in the Application Root folder.
• Run NPM Install again.
• Check the application logs inside Setup Node.js App.

2) I get a 503 / Application Error

• Click Restart App.
• Review the logs in Setup Node.js App for errors.
• Ensure your code uses process.env.PORT (see above).
• Confirm the domain/subdomain selected in Application URL is correct.

3) My changes aren’t showing

• Restart the app after uploading changes.
• Clear your browser cache or test in a private/incognito window.