How to Host Express Applications

Introduction

This guide covers deploying Express.js applications on Shard Cloud, from initial setup to production deployment.

Creating Your Project

Before starting, ensure you have Node.js and npm installed. Download from the official Node.js website.

Installing Express

npm init -y
npm install express

Basic Express Application

Create an index.js file:

index.js

import express from "express";

const app = express();
const port = 80;

app.get("/", (req, res) => {
  res.send("Hello World!");
});

app.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Express app listening on port ${port}`);
});

Port 80 is required for web applications on Shard Cloud.

Package.json Configuration

package.json

{
  "name": "my-express-app",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "type": "module",
  "main": "index.js",
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node index.js"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "express": "^4.18.0"
  }
}

Shard Cloud Configuration

Create a .shardcloud file in your project root:

.shardcloud

DISPLAY_NAME=My Express API
DESCRIPTION=Express.js REST API
MAIN=index.js
MEMORY=512
VERSION=recommended
SUBDOMAIN=my-express-api

Deploying

Prepare Your Files

Ensure you have: - index.js (or your entry file) - package.json - .shardcloud

Exclude Unnecessary Files

Remove before zipping: - node_modules/ - package-lock.json

Create ZIP Archive

Compress your project folder into a .zip file.

Upload to Shard Cloud

Go to Shard Cloud Dashboard and click “New app” to upload your project.

Additional Resources

For more information about Express, visit the official Express documentation.

Troubleshooting

Application won't start

Verify your MAIN file path is correct - Check that port 80 is used for web applications - Ensure all dependencies are in package.json

Cannot connect to application

Confirm SUBDOMAIN is set in .shardcloud - Wait a few moments after deployment for DNS propagation

Introduction

Platform Features

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API Frameworks

Website Frameworks

How to Host Express Applications

Introduction

Creating Your Project

Installing Express

Basic Express Application

Package.json Configuration

Shard Cloud Configuration

Deploying

Additional Resources

Troubleshooting

​Introduction

​Creating Your Project

​Installing Express

​Basic Express Application

​Package.json Configuration

​Shard Cloud Configuration

​Deploying

​Additional Resources

​Troubleshooting

Introduction

Creating Your Project

Installing Express

Basic Express Application

Package.json Configuration

Shard Cloud Configuration

Deploying

Additional Resources

Troubleshooting