This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to help you install and run your Node.js application on a Plesk server. Follow these steps carefully to get your application up and running.

Step 1: Check Requirements

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
  • Access to your Plesk control panel (username and password).
  • The files for your Node.js application.
  • The version of Node.js required for your application.

Step 2: Set Up Your Domain or Subdomain

  • Log in to your Plesk control panel.
  • Go to Websites & Domains and click Add Domain or Add Subdomain depending on your need.
  • Enter the domain name (or subdomain name) and set the document root / Project directory for your application files.

Step 3: Enable Node.js

  • In Websites & Domains , find the domain or subdomain you created.
  • Click on the Node.js option in Dashboard window. Check Get Started window if you cannot find Node.js option.

  • Turn on Node.js by enabling the feature.

  • Choose the correct Node.js version for your application.

Step 4: Upload Your Application Files

  • Go to File Manager in Plesk.

  • Upload all your application files to the folder set as the document root.

Tip: If your application is hosted on GitHub, use the Git option in Plesk to clone it directly.

Step 5: Install Dependencies

  • Open the Node.js settings for your domain or subdomain.
  • Click the NPM Install button to automatically download and install all required dependencies.

Step 6: Application Location

  • Specify the location of your application files.

(For example, if your application file app.js is located in the httpdocs directory, select /httpdocs as the location.)

Step 7: Configure the Application

  • Specify the file that starts your application (e.g., app.js or server.js) in the Application Startup File field.

  • Add any necessary environment variables in the Environment Variables section.

Step 8: Start the Application

  • Go back to the Node.js settings.
  • Click Run script to run your application.

  • Visit your domain or subdomain in a browser to check if the application is working correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

  •  If your application doesn’t start, check the logs in the Node.js section for errors.
  •  Double-check that all dependencies are installed by ensuring the NPM process completed successfully.
  •  Verify the startup file and environment variables are set correctly.

Conclusion

  • Congratulations! You have successfully deployed your Node.js application on a Plesk server.