How to Set Up a Node.js Application on Webuzo

Setting up a Node.js app on Webuzo means installing a Node.js version from the panel, uploading your app, running it, and serving it through OpenLiteSpeed as a reverse proxy. Unlike locked-down shared hosting, Webuzo gives you SSH and enough control to run Node properly — which is why it suits real applications.

Step 1: Install Node.js from the panel

In your Webuzo user panel, find the Node.js option and install the version your app needs. Webuzo lets you install and switch between versions — see managing Node.js versions on Webuzo.

Step 2: Upload your app

Upload your project (without node_modules) via the file manager or SFTP, or clone it with Git over SSH. Then install dependencies:

npm install

Step 3: Run and keep it running

Your app listens on a local port (for example 3000). To keep it running reliably in the background — surviving crashes and reboots — use PM2, which Webuzo's SSH access makes straightforward: see keeping Node.js running on Webuzo with PM2.

Step 4: Serve it through OpenLiteSpeed

Webuzo uses OpenLiteSpeed as its web server. To make your app reachable on your domain (ports 80/443), set up OpenLiteSpeed as a reverse proxy to your app's local port — see running Node.js behind OpenLiteSpeed.

Step 5: Secure it

Add a free SSL certificate so your app runs over HTTPS — see enabling SSL on Webuzo.

Note: Webuzo's panel layout can differ between versions, so use these steps as a guide to the general flow rather than exact button labels.

Frequently asked questions

Is Webuzo better than cPanel for Node.js?

For real apps, Webuzo's SSH access and ability to run PM2 give you more control than typical shared cPanel. cPanel's managed Passenger is simpler but more restrictive. It depends on whether you want control or hands-off simplicity.

Do I need a reverse proxy?

Yes — your Node app runs on a local port, and OpenLiteSpeed as a reverse proxy makes it reachable on your domain over standard web ports with SSL. It is the standard Webuzo setup.

Can I run more than one Node app?

Yes — give each app its own local port, keep each running under PM2, and add a reverse-proxy entry per domain or subdomain in OpenLiteSpeed.