I've been working on a project for a client for a few months now. We decided to use Angular for the frontend and Node.js/Express for the backend, particularly for API calls to a MySQL database managed through cPanel. The client currently has a WordPress site hosted by a service provider on a shared hosting plan but wants a more professional-looking site.
Recently, the hosting provider told me that to deploy the new site, I'd need a VPS, which I find a bit confusing. I initially thought I'd need access to WHM, but the provider mentioned that's a separate license. I've also come across some guides about deploying Node.js apps using the terminal in cPanel, but that just led back to the VPS requirement from the provider.
I'm hoping to get some insight from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation. Am I misunderstanding something, or is the provider not giving me the full picture? This is my first client project, and I'm still figuring out the deployment aspect, so any detailed advice would be fantastic. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Generally, WHM is geared towards the provider's deployment rather than for users on shared hosting. Some hosts do allow Node.js to run within cPanel, but it varies widely among providers. It’s a good idea to check directly with them if they allow this kind of deployment.
If all else fails, look into platforms like Netlify. They make it super easy to drag and drop for static sites. Just keep in mind that your database will need to be configured remotely. Also, check out neon.tech; they might have solutions that fit your needs.
WHM is essentially the account management layer for cPanel, mainly used by hosting companies. They typically don’t give you access to WHM to avoid giving you control over other users' accounts. In a shared hosting environment, you’re likely to hit a wall when trying to use the terminal because any changes affect all accounts on that server.
Check if your provider has an option to set up a Node.js environment through the cPanel interface, but they may not have that enabled. Also, requesting a jailed shell might be a way to get some access without fully switching to a VPS.
Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate it. Just to clarify, I'm trying to deploy this site using the exact same hosting provider they have now. Would these methods still apply while using cPanel to set up a Node.js app, or does the VPS requirement still stand?