Deploy Express.js on DCDeploy

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Quick Start: Hello World

1. Create a new project:
   mkdir hello-dcdeploy
   cd hello-dcdeploy
   npm init -y
   npm install express
   
2. Create an index.js file with the following code:

const express = require("express");
const app = express();

const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;

app.get("/", (req, res) => {
  res.send("Hello DCDeploy 🚀 from Express.js!");
});

app.listen(PORT, "0.0.0.0", () => {
  console.log(`Server running on http://0.0.0.0:${PORT}`);
});

3. Update package.json scripts:

{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node index.js"
  }
}

4. Run locally:

npm start

5. Commit and push to GitHub/Git provider.
6. Deploy on DCDeploy using the steps in the guide below.

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Overview

• Build from Code (auto-detected Node.js project) – easiest method.
• Custom Dockerfile – for advanced control over runtime and dependencies.

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Prerequisites

• Express.js project (index.js or app.js entrypoint).
• package.json with a valid start script.
• GitHub (or Git) repository to push your project.
• (Optional) Dockerfile if you want a custom build.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Express App

• Ensure package.json has a start script that runs your server.
• App must listen on 0.0.0.0 and use the PORT environment variable.

2. Add Dockerfile (optional)

FROM node:18-alpine
WORKDIR /app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm install --production
COPY . .
EXPOSE 3000
CMD ["npm", "start"]

3. Push Code to Git

• Initialize Git, commit files, and push to your Git provider.
• Add .dockerignore if using Docker.

4. Deploy on DCDeploy

• In DCDeploy dashboard → Deploy tab of your environment.
• Create a new service → select Build from Code or Docker Registry.
• Provide repo + branch.
• Set port to 3000 (or the one used in your app).
• Configure environment variables for secrets, DB URLs, etc.
• Choose machine type (CPU, RAM) based on traffic needs.
• Deploy and monitor logs.

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Example Service Config

services:
  express-app:
    build:
      context: ./
      dockerfilePath: ./Dockerfile
      repo: your-username/express-app
      ref: main
      refType: branch
      autoBuild: true
    ports:
      - 3000
    protocol: https
    minScale: 1
    maxScale: 2
    environment:
      NODE_ENV: production
      API_KEY: your-secret-key

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Best Practices

• Use environment variables (not hardcoded secrets).
• Use internal networking in DCDeploy to connect databases/APIs securely.
• Add health check endpoints (e.g. /healthz).
• Log errors clearly for debugging.
• Scale services with minScale/maxScale depending on workload.

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Troubleshooting