How to deploy MERN project on Hostinger (web hosting)

ONLINECAST

3 min read

·

04-10-2024

12

0

Share

Deploying Your MERN Project on Hostinger: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building a powerful web application using MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) is exciting, but getting it live and accessible to the world requires a hosting solution. Hostinger, known for its affordable and user-friendly platform, provides a great option for deploying your MERN project.

This article will guide you through the process of deploying your MERN application on Hostinger, ensuring it's accessible to users worldwide.

Understanding the Problem

Deploying a MERN application on Hostinger requires understanding how different components interact. Your frontend (React) needs to connect to the backend (Express.js) which in turn interacts with your MongoDB database. This means setting up a Node.js environment on Hostinger to run your backend, configuring the database, and ensuring proper communication between the frontend and backend.

Step-by-Step Deployment Guide

1. Setting up your Hostinger Account

• Create a Hostinger account and choose a suitable hosting plan. For MERN applications, a shared hosting plan is usually sufficient.
• Access your cPanel (Control Panel) from your Hostinger dashboard.

2. Installing Node.js and npm on Hostinger

• Hostinger provides a one-click installer for Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager). Find it within your cPanel under "Software" or "Installers."
• Select the latest stable version and click "Install."

3. Setting up MongoDB on Hostinger

• Hostinger doesn't directly offer a managed MongoDB solution. You have two options:
  • Use a third-party service: Consider using a managed MongoDB service like MongoDB Atlas (https://www.mongodb.com/cloud/atlas).
  • Install MongoDB locally: This is less recommended for production deployments but suitable for testing. Follow the official MongoDB installation guide (https://docs.mongodb.com/manual/installation/) for your operating system.

4. Preparing your MERN Project

• Backend:
  • Make sure your backend code is ready for production. This includes:
    • Implementing proper error handling and logging.
    • Securing your API endpoints (e.g., using JWT for authentication).
    • Optimizing your database queries.
  • Create a .env file in your backend root folder and store your sensitive environment variables (e.g., database connection strings, API keys) in it. Remember not to push this file to your Git repository.
• Frontend:
  • Build your React application using npm run build or yarn build. This will create a production-ready bundle in the build folder.

5. Uploading your Project to Hostinger

• Backend:
  • Use an FTP client (Filezilla, WinSCP, etc.) or the File Manager in cPanel to upload the contents of your backend folder (excluding .env) to your Hostinger server.
  • Create a new Node.js application using pm2. For example, use this command in the terminal (replace 'your_app' with your project name):

    pm2 start index.js --name your_app
    

  • You can use the pm2 command to manage your Node.js application, including restarting, stopping, and viewing logs.
• Frontend:
  • Upload the contents of your React build folder to a separate subfolder within your Hostinger server (e.g., /public).

6. Configuring Domain Name and SSL

• Access your Domain Manager in cPanel.
• Point your domain name to your Hostinger server's IP address.
• If you want your website to be secure (using HTTPS), obtain an SSL certificate from Hostinger or a third-party provider and install it.

7. Testing and Deployment

• Access your website using your domain name. Make sure everything is working as expected.
• Check your browser's developer console for any errors.
• After ensuring everything is working correctly, your MERN application is now live on Hostinger!

Additional Tips

• Database Connection: When connecting to your MongoDB database from your backend code, ensure you are using the correct connection string and credentials.
• Security: Implement security measures like data sanitization and input validation to protect your application and user data.
• Logging and Monitoring: Use a logging library like winston to track errors and application events. Consider using monitoring tools like Uptime Robot to keep an eye on your website's availability.

Conclusion

Deploying a MERN project on Hostinger is a straightforward process that can be accomplished by following these steps. Remember to test your application thoroughly before going live. With careful planning and the right tools, you can confidently launch your MERN project and share it with the world.

Remember, this guide provides a general overview. Consult official documentation and resources from Hostinger and other services you use for detailed information and specific instructions. Happy deploying!