How to npm based application in shared hosting using cpanel

RajeshKumar1

Got it—here’s the practical, no-nonsense way to deploy an npm-based app on typical shared hosting with cPanel. There are two common scenarios:

1) Front-end SPA (React/Vue/Angular) — static hosting (easiest & most compatible)

Most shared hosts don’t run long-lived Node processes, but they serve static files great. So you build locally, then upload the build.

Steps

Build locally

   # on your laptop
   npm ci        # or npm install
   npm run build # creates /build (React), /dist (Vue/Vite), or /dist/<project>

Upload build output
- Zip the build/dist folder.
- In cPanel → File Manager → go to public_html/ (or a subfolder if it’s on an addon domain).
- Upload your zip → Extract.
- Make sure index.html is directly inside the target folder users will hit.

(SPA routing) Add .htaccess (only if you use client-side routes like /dashboard):

In the same folder as index.html, create/edit .htaccess:

     <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
       RewriteEngine On
       RewriteBase /
       RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
       RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
       RewriteRule . /index.html [L]
     </IfModule>

Environment variables
- For SPAs, anything needed at runtime must be baked at build time (e.g., VITE_API_URL, REACT_APP_API_URL). Set them before npm run build.

That’s it. This works on nearly all shared hosts.

2) Node.js backend or SSR app — only if your cPanel supports Node

Some cPanel hosts (CloudLinux) include “Setup Node.js App” or Passenger.

Quick checklist

In cPanel, look for “Setup Node.js App” (or “Application Manager”/Passenger”).
Confirm your Node version and the app’s startup file (app.js, server.js, or framework adapter).
Your app must listen on process.env.PORT (Passenger provides it).

Steps

Prepare your project

package.json should have:

     {
       "name": "my-app",
       "scripts": {
         "start": "node server.js"
       },
       "engines": {
         "node": ">=18"
       }
     }

Your server.js should use the provided port:

     const express = require('express');
     const app = express();
     const port = process.env.PORT || 3000;

     app.get('/', (req, res) => res.send('Hello from Node on cPanel!'));
     app.listen(port, () => console.log('Listening on', port));

Upload code
- In cPanel → File Manager, create an app folder (e.g., ~/nodeapps/my-app).
- Upload your project (or use Git Version Control in cPanel → clone your repo into that folder).
Create the Node app in cPanel
- Open Setup Node.js App.
- Click Create Application:
  - Application root: nodeapps/my-app
  - Application startup file: server.js
  - Node.js version: pick one compatible with your app.
  - Application mode: Production.
- Save.
Install dependencies on the server
- In the Node app panel, click Run NPM Install (or open Terminal/SSH and run npm ci --only=production in nodeapps/my-app).
Start/Restart the app
- In the Node app panel, click Restart.
- Note the Application URL (often something like https://yourdomain.com/my-app or bound to your main domain depending on config).
Serve static front-end with the backend (optional)
- If it’s an SSR app (Next/Nuxt) or Express serving a built SPA:
  - Build on server (if needed): npm run build
  - Ensure server.js serves the built folder (e.g., app.use(express.static('dist'))).

If you don’t see “Setup Node.js App”:

Ask your host if Passenger/Node is enabled for your plan.
Without it, you cannot run a Node server process reliably on shared hosting—use approach #1 or move to a VPS/managed Node host.

Common pitfalls & fixes

Blank page after upload (SPA): usually missing .htaccess rewrite for client routes.

Build succeeds locally but not on server: don’t build on shared hosting. Build locally and upload. If you must build on server, set:

  export NODE_OPTIONS=--max_old_space_size=512
  npm ci && npm run build

Node version mismatch: set "engines" in package.json, and choose that version in cPanel.
App not responding: your server must use process.env.PORT. Don’t hardcode 3000.
ENV vars for backend: set them in the Node app panel (Environment Variables) rather than .env files when possible.

Quick decision guide

Pure front-end (API is elsewhere): Build locally → upload build/dist to public_html → add .htaccess for SPA routes.
Needs a Node server (API/SSR/websocket): Only feasible if your cPanel plan exposes Setup Node.js App/Passenger. Otherwise, consider a VPS (Lightsail, Droplet, EC2) or a PaaS.

If you tell me your framework (React/Vite/Next/Nuxt/Express) and what your host shows in cPanel, I can give exact file paths and config tailored to your setup.

RajeshKumar1

How to Deploy an npm-based (Node.js) Application in Shared Hosting Using cPanel

Deploying a Node.js (npm) application on shared hosting via cPanel is possible if your host provides Node.js support. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your app up and running:

1. Log in to cPanel

Enter your hosting credentials and access the cPanel dashboard.

2. Find the Node.js App Setup

In cPanel, navigate to the "Setup Node.js App" section (usually under "Software").[1][2][3]
If you don’t see this option, your shared hosting may not support Node.js, and you’ll need to contact your provider or choose another service.[4]

3. Create a Node.js Application

Click "Create Application."
Fill in the required fields:
- Application Root: Directory for your app files (e.g., /home/username/myapp)
- Application URL: Domain/subdomain where the app will be available.
- Application Startup File: Typically app.js or server.js.
- Node.js Version: Select the one matching your app’s dependencies.[5][2][1]
Set the app mode: Development or Production.

4. Upload Your Application Files

Use File Manager or FTP to upload your npm project files into the application root directory.
Do NOT upload your node_modules folder. It will be created by npm on the server.

5. Create/Edit `package.json`

In File Manager, create or edit package.json in the app folder. This file lists your app’s metadata and dependencies.[2][1]

6. Install npm Packages

Return to the "Setup Node.js App" screen in cPanel.
Edit the application and look for the "Run NPM Install" button.
Click to install all dependencies. Wait for the success message.[6][1][2]

7. Start the Application

Start the app from the cPanel interface using the "Start" or "Restart" button.
Your Node.js app should now be live at the specified URL.

8. (Optional) Advanced Settings

You can set environment variables, adjust the Node.js version, and more from the app setup page.
For command-line tasks, use SSH to enter the app’s virtual environment (usually shown on the application setup page).[5][1]

Troubleshooting Tips:

If your host does not support Node.js, you won’t see the "Setup Node.js App" option.
Always check error logs in cPanel if your app doesn’t launch.
Avoid uploading the node_modules directory—it increases upload size and conflicts with npm install.
Some static frontend apps (like React) should be “built” before uploading; upload the build directory for such apps.[7][6]

Example: Minimal Node.js Server (`app.js`)

const http = require('http');
const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.statusCode = 200;
  res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
  res.end('Hello World! NodeJS\n');
});
server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});

Place this file in your app root, and set it as the startup script.[8][5]

Quick Checklist

[ ] Hosting supports Node.js (check cPanel for the setup option)
[ ] Uploaded your application files (excluding node_modules)
[ ] Created/edited package.json
[ ] Installed npm dependencies via cPanel
[ ] Started the app from cPanel interface

You should now have your npm-based application successfully running on shared hosting via cPanel.[1][2][6]

[1] https://chemicloud.com/kb/article/how-to-set-up-node-js-application-in-cpanel/
[2] https://cloudexter.com/blog/setup-node-js-app-in-cpanel/
[3] https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/10047/2182/how-to-work-with-nodejs-app/
[4] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62500167/how-to-install-node-js-app-in-cpanel-shared-hosting
[5] https://docs.cpanel.net/knowledge-base/web-services/how-to-install-a-node.js-application/
[6] https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/10686/29/how-to-deploy-reactjs-vitejs-react-native-and-nextjs-applications-in-cpanel/
[7] https://hayhost.am/knowledgebase/263/-How-to-DeployorHost-your-React-App-on-Shared-Hosting-in-cPanel.html
[8] https://www.cpanel.net/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-host-a-node-js-application-with-cpanel/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emDCYo5Rz0E
[10] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/24777750/how-to-host-a-node-js-application-in-shared-hosting
[11] https://iamcharu18.hashnode.dev/deploying-nodejs-app-on-shared-web-hosting
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQTkf_iZyJw
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIChbX4HBME
[14] https://www.hostafrica.ng/blog/hosting/cpanel/how-to-work-with-node-js-app/
[15] https://kb.hosting.com/docs/create-application-with-nodejs-selector
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yak22tkm9Rs
[17] https://help.lws-hosting.com/en/How-to-use-a-Nodejs-application-on-cPanel-hosting
[18] https://dev.to/husnain/how-to-deploy-node-or-react-app-on-cpanel-which-uses-a-port-using-ssh-a5b
[19] https://www.aveshost.com/blog/how-to-deploy-a-node-js-app-on-cpanel/

RajeshKumar1

To install and deploy a Node.js (npm-based) application from a GitHub repository (such as https://github.com/Fechin/reference/tree/main) on shared hosting using cPanel, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check Node.js Support in cPanel

Ensure your hosting provider supports Node.js. In cPanel, look for "Setup Node.js App" or "Application Manager" (under Software). If the option isn’t available, your host doesn’t support Node.js apps.[1][2][3][4]

2. Create the Application in cPanel

Go to “Setup Node.js App” and click “Create Application.”
Set the application root, startup file (app.js or server.js), desired Node.js version, and application URL.

3. Clone the GitHub Repository

Use cPanel’s Git Version Control (Home → Files → Git Version Control):
- Click “Create” and add the repo URL: https://github.com/Fechin/reference.git
- Choose the directory where you want to clone the project—ideally, the same as your Application Root.
- For private repos, you may need to authorize access by creating SSH keys and registering them with GitHub.[5][6][7]
Alternatively, you can manually upload the files via File Manager or FTP.

4. Install npm Dependencies

In the “Setup Node.js App” screen:
- After cloning/uploading files, ensure your package.json is present.
- Click “Run NPM Install” or “Ensure Dependencies” if available. This installs all required npm packages.[8][2][1]

5. Configure & Start the App

Set environment variables if needed.
Set the correct entry/startup file (usually app.js, server.js, or the main file specified in package.json).
Click “Start” or “Restart” in cPanel to launch your Node.js app.

Example Workflow

In cPanel: Go to “Setup Node.js App” → Create App.

In Home → Files → Git Version Control, clone:

   https://github.com/Fechin/reference.git

to your desired folder.[6][7]

In File Manager, verify package.json and main server file.
In “Setup Node.js App,” run “NPM Install.”
Start the app; visit your domain/subdomain to test.

Tips

If the Git Version Control requires SSH key setup for private repositories, use cPanel's SSH Access tool to generate and register keys.[7][5][6]
For public repositories, you can clone directly without extra configuration.
Do not upload the node_modules folder—let npm install dependencies on the server.[8]
Always check the application logs for troubleshooting.

By following these steps, you can successfully deploy an npm-based application from a GitHub repo to your shared hosting via cPanel.[2][1][6][7][8]

[1] https://docs.cpanel.net/knowledge-base/web-services/how-to-install-a-node.js-application/
[2] https://www.cpanel.net/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-host-a-node-js-application-with-cpanel/
[3] https://kb.hosting.com/docs/create-application-with-nodejs-selector
[4] https://help.lws-hosting.com/en/How-to-use-a-Nodejs-application-on-cPanel-hosting
[5] https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/40790
[6] https://docs.cpanel.net/knowledge-base/web-services/guide-to-git-host-git-repositories-on-a-cpanel-account/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wOV4daJBYg
[8] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62500167/how-to-install-node-js-app-in-cpanel-shared-hosting
[9] https://github.com/Fechin/reference/tree/main
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emDCYo5Rz0E
[11] https://hayhost.am/knowledgebase/263/-How-to-DeployorHost-your-React-App-on-Shared-Hosting-in-cPanel.html
[12] https://awan.com.np/connect-deploy-private-github-repositories-to-cpanel-shared-hosting-github-actions/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIChbX4HBME
[14] https://iamcharu18.hashnode.dev/deploying-nodejs-app-on-shared-web-hosting
[15] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/59929762/how-to-deploy-private-git-repo-on-shared-hosting-cpanel
[16] https://www.cpanel.net/blog/tips-and-tricks/hosting-remote-git-repositories-with-cpanel/
[17] https://kb.hosting.com/docs/use-git-to-install-and-update-a-site
[18] https://dev.to/hazzazbinfaiz/deploy-private-git-repository-to-shared-hosting-na4
[19] https://stephenjude.me/articles/how-to-connect-cpanel-to-github-gitlab-and-bitbucket-and-deploy-private-repositories

RajeshKumar1

Great pick—Fechin/reference is a static site (Hexo-based). That means you don’t need a Node server on cPanel; you just build locally and upload the generated HTML (including index.html) to public_html. Here’s the clean path:

What you’ll do (summary)

Build the site on your laptop → a public/ folder appears with index.html.
Zip that public/ folder and upload it into cPanel → public_html/ (or a subfolder).
(If you use a subfolder) tweak Hexo’s _config.yml so links work.

Step-by-step

Get the code

git clone https://github.com/Fechin/reference.git
cd reference

Install & build (locally)

# Node 18+ recommended
npm install
# dev preview (optional): http://localhost:4000
npm run dev
# static build:
# if scripts exist: npm run build
# otherwise with Hexo:
npx hexo generate

After this, you’ll have a public/ directory with index.html and all assets. (This project uses Hexo conventions: source/, themes/, _config.yml, etc., and builds a static site to public/.) (GitHub, CheatSheets.zip)

(Important if hosting under a subfolder)
If you plan to serve at https://yourdomain.com/reference/, open _config.yml and set:

url: https://yourdomain.com/reference
root: /reference/

Then rebuild (npx hexo generate). This fixes internal links when not at the domain root. (GitHub)

Upload to cPanel
Zip the contents of public/ (not the folder itself if you’re extracting into the target).
cPanel → File Manager → go to public_html/ (or create public_html/reference/).
Upload the zip → Extract.
- If you’re deploying to the root, public_html/index.html should exist after extraction.
- If to a subfolder, you should see public_html/reference/index.html.
Test
Root deployment: open https://yourdomain.com/
Subfolder: open https://yourdomain.com/reference/

Notes & gotchas

Do not try to run npm start on shared hosting—no need. The output is static.
If you see broken links when using a subfolder, it’s almost always the url/root mismatch in _config.yml. Fix, rebuild, re-upload.
If your host has a CDN or caching, purge after upload.

If you tell me whether you want it at the root domain or /reference/, I’ll give you the exact _config.yml values and the precise upload path.