Where can I host a Node.js app?

Question

Hello,

I am trying to experiment with Node.js. Since it needs the V8 engine, can I run a Node.js app on any of the free cloud hosting providers: AppEngine or Heroku?

1. If not, then what is the standard way to deploy it on the web?
2. If yes, then how? any pointers?
3. If on local machine, then any starters for that?

Thanks

Answer 1

Heroku gives experimental support for Node.js Read more: http://blog.heroku.com/archives/2010/4/28/node_js_support_experimental/

Any more ideas?

Answer 2

Standard way is to deploy it yourself. You can't use it on App Engine.

Answer 3

Try this: http://dailyjs.com/2010/03/15/hosting-nodejs-apps/

Heroku hosts node apps as well, but it's still in closed beta.

Also, if IIRC, you can use Rhino on AppEngine to run javascript.

Answer 4

Joyent recently opened a node.js hosting service called Node SmartMachines at http://no.de which was provided to Node Knockout contestants as a way to host their application.

It is currently in beta but in the near future it would be one viable option for you.

The only other node.js hosting service that I'm aware of is Heroku but they're in beta too.

Answer 5

Ryan Dahl, creator of node.js, is maintaining a list of node.js hosting providers. Here is that list, as of this writing:

• WebFaction
• Heroku – Closed Beta
• ElusiveHippo – Not Working
• Prgmr
• Slicehost
• Linode
• Amazon EC2
• Rackspace Cloud
• VPS.Net
• Joyent
• no.de – Closed Beta
• DreamHostPS – Need a total reconfiguration of virtual machines
• Webbynode – setup guide here

For the easiest hosting, I think Webbynode looks good, but you need to find the right fit for your needs and skills. There is a discussion about easy node.js hosting solutions over on the node.js google group, which is a great community and a great place for more info. You should definitely check there, especially if you are reading this months or years from now.

Here are some more discussions from the google group about hosting:

• How to host a node.js app on a server
• Node Hosting
• Node.js hosting similar to Heroku
• How do I host a node server?