Node PM2 Manager vs Node Projects: A Complete Guide in aaPanel

In this guide, we will explore the differences between the Node PM2 Manager and Node Projects in the Websites Menu within the aaPanel control panel. Both of these options are used to manage Node.js applications, but they have different use cases and provide different functionalities. By the end of this guide, you will be able to decide which method suits your needs best and how to implement both approaches effectively. This guide will also walk you through troubleshooting common issues with PM2 and Node Projects. Whether you're managing a simple website or a large-scale Node.js app, this tutorial will offer solutions to streamline your workflow in aaPanel.

Understanding Node.js in aaPanel

aaPanel provides a simplified control panel for managing servers, websites, databases, and applications. It is widely used by hosting providers, such as Linkysoft, to offer efficient and secure hosting services. The two main ways to manage Node.js applications within aaPanel are via the Node PM2 Manager and the Node Projects under the Websites Menu. Each method has its own advantages and can be used depending on the use case.

Node.js Applications

Node.js applications are typically run as server-side applications that handle web requests. With aaPanel, you have options to either run your applications directly via PM2 or through the web-based environment setup under the Websites menu.

Node PM2 Manager: An Overview

What is Node PM2 Manager?

The Node PM2 Manager is a process manager for Node.js applications. It allows you to run Node.js applications as services, monitor their performance, and keep them running continuously even after a system reboot. PM2 helps you manage multiple applications, monitor system health, and ensure high availability for critical processes.

When to Use Node PM2 Manager

You should use the PM2 Manager when:

• You want to run long-running applications that require continuous uptime.
• You need advanced process monitoring and health checks.
• You want to restart the application automatically if it crashes.
• You need process clustering for better performance and load distribution.

Setting Up a Node.js Application Using PM2

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Login to aaPanel.
2. Navigate to Software Store > PM2 Manager.
3. Click Add Project.
4. Fill in the project details:
   • Path: The location of your Node.js app.
   • Name: Your project name (e.g., whatmaspanel.linkysoft.com).
   • Port: Set the application port (e.g., 8000).
5. Click Confirm to start the project.
6. Use the Manage option to monitor logs, CPU, and memory usage.

Advantages of Using PM2

• Automatic restart of crashed applications.
• Load balancing via clustering for performance optimization.
• Advanced monitoring and logging of application processes.

Node Projects in Websites Menu: An Overview

What is Node Projects in the Websites Menu?

The Node Projects under Websites Menu allows you to manage Node.js applications like traditional web projects. You can set up domain bindings, ports, and SSL configurations just like any other hosted website. This approach is easier for users who want to integrate Node.js apps with other web services managed by the hosting server.

When to Use Node Projects in Websites Menu

You should use Node Projects under Websites Menu when:

• You need to manage Node.js applications as websites.
• You want to configure custom domains and SSL certificates.
• You don't need advanced process monitoring or clustering.

Setting Up a Node.js Project via Websites Menu

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Login to aaPanel.
2. Navigate to Websites > Add Site.
3. Under Node Project, click Add Node Project.
4. Fill in the required details:
   • Domain Name: Specify the domain (e.g., whatmaspanel.linkysoft.com).
   • Project Path: The file path of the Node.js application.
   • Port: Set the application port.
5. Click Confirm to set up the project.

Advantages of Using Node Projects in Websites Menu

• Easier management of domain and SSL configurations.
• Simple UI for managing multiple websites, including Node.js projects.
• Better suited for projects integrated with other web services (e.g., PHP, MySQL).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Port Already in Use (EADDRINUSE Error)

If you encounter the EADDRINUSE error, this means the port your Node.js application is trying to use is already occupied.

Steps to Resolve:

1. Run the following command to identify the process using the port: lsof -i :8000.
2. Once you find the process, stop it using: kill -9 PID (replace PID with the process ID).
3. Restart your application through PM2 or Websites Menu.

Application Crashes Frequently

If your Node.js application crashes frequently, use PM2's built-in monitoring tools to check CPU and memory usage.

Steps to Diagnose:

1. Run pm2 monit to monitor live performance of the app.
2. Check logs for error details using pm2 logs.
3. Identify memory or CPU spikes and optimize your application accordingly.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored the two main methods for managing Node.js applications within aaPanel: the Node PM2 Manager and the Node Projects in the Websites Menu. Both methods offer their unique advantages depending on your use case. PM2 provides advanced process monitoring, whereas Node Projects under the Websites Menu is ideal for simpler setups with domain management and SSL. With this knowledge, you can now efficiently manage your Node.js applications on Linkysoft or any other hosting platform using aaPanel.