cPanel serves as a comprehensive dashboard for website management, facilitating tasks like file management, database handling, and email account management through its user-friendly interface, while Node.js enables powerful application development.

cPanel simplifies website management, while Node.js enables powerful application development. Using cPanel for Node.js hosting streamlines setup and management tasks like file and dependency handling.

cPanel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels. Imagine it as an all-in-one dashboard for your website. Its user-friendly interface makes complex website management tasks easier, allowing users to perform a variety of tasks such as managing files, databases, email accounts, and more. 

Node.js, on the other hand, is an open source platform that allows you to use JavaScript to build server-side applications, APIs, and real-time applications. With node.js, JavaScript can be used to write the backend code that powers web applications allowing developers to create fast, scalable network applications.

Why Use cPanel for Node.js Hosting?

1. User-Friendly Interface: cPanel provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies complex tasks. Perform most tasks without needing to use command-line tools, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

2. Streamlined Application Setup: Easily set up a new Node.js application through a few simple steps in the cPanel interface. cPanel handles the configuration of the server environment for Node.js, reducing the likelihood of errors.

3. Effortless File Management: Upload, manage, and organize your application files directly within cPanel’s built-in file manager. Use FTP to transfer files if preferred, offering flexibility in how you manage your application files.

4. Dependency Management: Install and manage Node.js dependencies using the Node Package Manager (NPM) directly within cPanel’s terminal. Easily update your application’s dependencies as needed to keep your application running smoothly.

5. Application Monitoring and Management: Quickly restart your Node.js application through cPanel’s interface whenever necessary, such as after code updates. View application logs for troubleshooting and monitoring performance directly within cPanel, ensuring you can quickly diagnose issues.

Steps to Setup Node.js App in cPanel

Setting up a Node.js application in cPanel involves a few straightforward steps:

Step 1: Log into cPanel and choose Setup Node.js App under the Software section.

Step 2: Click on Create Application.

Step 3: Fill in the application root directory where you will upload your application files. 

Step 4: Choose your application URL and specify the startup file (if startup file is not specified, app.js is used by default).

Step 5: Complete the remaining fields with your preferred values.

Step 6: Click Create when ready.

Stopping and Restarting Your App

You can also stop and restart your app whenever you may need it. This can be done easily from the cPanel interface.

Step 1: Log into cPanel (as you did above).

Step 2: Choose Setup Node.js App under software.

Step 3: Select your app from the list of existing applications.

Step 4: Click to stop, restart, or edit your application under the Actions table.

How to Install Softaculous?

For an enhanced experience with application installations and management, consider installing Softaculous on your VPS or dedicated server with cPanel/WHM. Softaculous is an auto-installer that simplifies the process of installing web applications, including various CMS platforms, e-commerce solutions, and more.