Node.js on aaPanel: setup and configuration

aaPanel makes Node.js deployment straightforward. It handles process management (PM2), reverse proxy setup (Nginx), and SSL certificates automatically. You focus on your code; aaPanel handles the infrastructure.

Requirements

• Cloud VPS with aaPanel installed (or Dedicated Server)
• Sufficient resources: At least 1GB RAM (2GB+ recommended)
• Node.js app ready to deploy: Git repository or uploaded code
• Domain name pointing to VPS (optional, can use IP initially)

Install Node.js in aaPanel

1. Log in to aaPanel
2. Go to App Store → Node.js
3. Click the desired Node.js version (14.x, 16.x, 18.x recommended)
4. Click Install
5. Wait for installation (takes 2-5 minutes)

Create Node.js app

1. In aaPanel, go to Websites → Node.js
2. Click Add Node.js App
3. Enter app name (e.g., "myapp")
4. Select Node.js version
5. Enter app port (e.g., 3000—keep above 1024)
6. Choose deployment method:
   • Git: Clone from GitHub/GitLab (recommended)
   • Upload: Upload ZIP file directly
7. If Git: Enter repository URL and branch
8. Click Add

aaPanel automatically:

• Creates project directory
• Clones code (if Git)
• Installs dependencies (npm install)
• Starts app with PM2
• Creates Nginx reverse proxy

PM2 process management

PM2 keeps your Node.js app running. aaPanel manages PM2 automatically:

• Start app: Use aaPanel restart button
• View logs: Websites → Node.js → [App] → Logs
• Environment variables: Create .env file in project root
• Auto-restart on failure: PM2 restarts automatically

Access PM2 via SSH (advanced):

pm2 list                    # Show all apps
pm2 logs appname            # View real-time logs
pm2 restart appname         # Restart app
pm2 stop appname            # Stop app

Nginx reverse proxy

aaPanel automatically creates Nginx reverse proxy pointing traffic to your Node.js app. For a domain:

• User requests: yourdomain.com
• Nginx receives on port 80/443
• Proxies to Node.js app on port 3000 (or your configured port)
• Response sent back to user

Bind domain to app

1. In aaPanel, click Websites → Node.js → [App]
2. Click Add Domain
3. Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com)
4. SSL certificate auto-issued (Let's Encrypt)
5. Click Add

App now accessible at yourdomain.com (HTTPS automatically configured).

Troubleshooting

App won't start:

• Check app logs: Websites → Node.js → [App] → Logs
• Verify package.json exists in project root
• Check Node.js version compatibility
• Try manual restart via SSH: pm2 restart appname

High CPU/Memory usage:

• Check logs for errors or infinite loops
• Monitor with: pm2 monit
• Increase VPS RAM if needed

Can't connect to domain:

• Verify domain DNS points to VPS IP
• Check firewall isn't blocking ports 80/443
• Verify app is running: pm2 list

Related: aaPanel overview | CloudPanel Node.js | VPS management

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