Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime for building scalable applications. When moving apps into production, you need to configure your server securely and efficiently. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up a production-ready Node.js app on Ubuntu 24.04 using PM2, Nginx, and Let’s Encrypt.
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure you have:
- An Ubuntu 24.04 server.
- A non-root user with sudo privileges.
- A domain name pointed to your server’s IP.
For background on Node.js, visit the official Node.js website.
Step 1 — Install Node.js
Ubuntu 24.04 provides updated repositories. However, to get the latest LTS version, use NodeSource:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
Check installation:
node -v
npm -v
Once complete, Node.js and npm should be available.
Step 2 — Create a Sample Node.js App
First, make a directory and initialize your project:
mkdir ~/myapp
cd ~/myapp
npm init -y
npm install express
Now create app.js:
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello from Node.js on Ubuntu 24.04!');
});
app.listen(PORT, () => {
console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`);
});
Run the app:
node app.js
Then visit http://your_server_ip:3000 to confirm it works.
Step 3 — Manage Processes with PM2
Keeping apps running in production is essential. Therefore, install PM2:
sudo npm install -g pm2
pm2 start app.js
pm2 status
Enable PM2 startup on reboot:
pm2 startup systemd
pm2 save
For more details, check the PM2 documentation.
Step 4 — Configure Nginx as a Reverse Proxy
A reverse proxy ensures smooth traffic management. Begin by installing Nginx:
sudo apt install nginx -y
Next, create a new config file:
sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/myapp
Insert the following:
server {
listen 80;
server_name your_domain.com www.your_domain.com;
location / {
proxy_pass http://localhost:3000;
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 and restart:
sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/myapp /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
sudo nginx -t
sudo systemctl restart nginx
Now your domain should display the Node.js app. For further tuning, see the Nginx documentation.
Step 5 — Secure the App with SSL
It’s crucial to encrypt traffic. Let’s use Certbot and Let’s Encrypt.
Install Certbot:
sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y
Obtain and install SSL certificates:
sudo certbot --nginx -d your_domain.com -d www.your_domain.com
Finally, test auto-renewal:
sudo certbot renew --dry-run
Step 6 — Harden and Monitor the Server
Security is a must. Therefore, configure UFW firewall:
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw allow 'Nginx Full'
sudo ufw enable
Monitor the app with PM2:
pm2 monit
Additionally, you can integrate server monitoring tools for deeper insights.
Conclusion
You now have a production-ready Node.js setup on Ubuntu 24.04. With PM2 handling processes, Nginx serving as a reverse proxy, and Let’s Encrypt securing traffic, your application is both scalable and secure. For more guides like this, check out my resume page to see related infrastructure projects.