Setting Up a Node.js Application Using Docker and Nginx on ServerStadium

This tutorial guides you through creating a secure and scalable environment for a Node.js application using Docker and Nginx on ServerStadium’s infrastructure.

Prerequisites

• A ServerStadium VM or dedicated server. Review the options at ServerStadium VM Pricing and Dedicated Servers.
• Basic knowledge of Docker, Nginx, and Node.js.

Step 1: Prepare Your ServerStadium Environment

1. Select and Set Up Your Server: Choose a VM or dedicated server from ServerStadium. A medium-sized VM should suffice for most Node.js applications.
2. Server Setup: Access your server via SSH. Update the system:
   

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Docker

1. Install Docker: Install Docker on your ServerStadium environment:
   

   sudo apt install docker.io

2. Start and Enable Docker:
   

   sudo systemctl start docker
   sudo systemctl enable docker

3. Verify Installation:
   

   docker –version

Step 3: Create Your Node.js Application

1. Application Setup: On your local machine, create a basic Node.js application. For example, an Express.js application.
2. Dockerize the Application: Create a Dockerfile in your application directory:

   FROM node:14

   WORKDIR /usr/src/app

   COPY package*.json ./

   RUN npm install

   COPY . .

   EXPOSE 8080

   CMD [ "node", "app.js" ]

3. Build Your Docker Image:
   

   docker build -t mynodeapp .

4. Run the Docker Container:
   

   docker run -d -p 8080:8080 mynodeapp

Step 4: Install and Configure Nginx as a Reverse Proxy

1. Install Nginx:
   

   sudo apt install nginx

2. Configure Nginx:

   Create a new site configuration file:
   

   sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/mynodeapp

   
   Add the following configuration:

   server {
   listen 80;

   server_name your_domain.com;

   location / {
   proxy_pass http://localhost:8080;
   proxy_http_version 1.1;
   proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
   proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
   proxy_set_header Host $host;
   proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
   }
   }

   
   Enable the new site:
   

   sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/mynodeapp /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
   sudo nginx -t
   sudo systemctl restart nginx

3. Firewall Configuration: If you have a firewall enabled, allow Nginx traffic:
   

   sudo ufw allow <span class="hljs-string">'Nginx Full'</span>

Step 5: Deploy Your Application

1. Transfer Your Docker Image: Use docker save and docker load or a Docker registry to transfer your Docker image to your ServerStadium server.
2. Run Your Docker Container: On the server, run your Docker container as before.

Step 6: Secure Your Application

1. SSL Certificate: Obtain an SSL certificate for your domain (you can use Let’s Encrypt for a free certificate) and configure Nginx to use it.
2. Environment Variables: Use environment variables for sensitive information like database passwords.

Conclusion

You now have a scalable and secure Node.js application running in a Docker container, with Nginx as a reverse proxy on a ServerStadium server. This setup ensures efficient load handling and enhanced security for your application.

For additional assistance, visit our knowledge base or contact our support team.