Deploy Node.js API

Page Goal

Show developers how to deploy backend services and APIs on Temps. Cover Express and other popular frameworks with production best practices.

Target Persona

Backend Bob - A developer who:

Building REST APIs or backend services
Using Express, Fastify, NestJS, etc.
Needs environment variables and secrets
May connect to external databases
Values: Reliability, security, performance
Search intent: "deploy nodejs api", "host express app"
Timeline: Production deployment needed

Key Content to Include

1. What You'll Deploy

Express.js REST API
Fastify API
NestJS application
Other Node.js backends
Time: 10-15 minutes

2. Prerequisites

Temps installed
Node.js API in Git
(Optional) Database connection string

3. Preparing Your API

Step 1: Port Configuration

Must listen on process.env.PORT
Example code for Express/Fastify
Common mistake: hardcoded ports

const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000
app.listen(PORT)

Step 2: Package.json Configuration

Start script required
Build script (if TypeScript)
Dependencies vs devDependencies
Example package.json

Step 3: Health Check Endpoint

Add /health or /ping
Why health checks matter
Example implementation

4. Deployment Steps

Step 1: Connect Repository

Git integration
Select branch
Monorepo path (if applicable)

Step 2: Configure Build

Build command (if TypeScript): npm run build
Start command: npm start
Node version selection

Step 3: Environment Variables

Database connection strings
API keys and secrets
NODE_ENV=production
Security best practices

Step 4: Deploy

Trigger deployment
Monitor build logs
Verify startup

5. Testing Your API

Get deployment URL
Test endpoints with curl
Verify database connection
Load testing considerations

6. Production Best Practices

Error handling
Logging setup
Rate limiting
Security headers
CORS configuration

7. Framework-Specific Guides

Express.js

Example Express app
Middleware configuration
Static files serving

Fastify

Fastify-specific config
Plugin setup
Performance tips

NestJS

NestJS production build
Module configuration
Microservices

8. Database Connection

PostgreSQL connection example
MongoDB connection example
Connection pooling
Handling reconnections

9. Troubleshooting

Port binding errors
Database connection failures
Memory/CPU limits
Timeout issues

10. Monitoring & Logs

Accessing logs
Structured logging
Error tracking
Performance monitoring

Success Metrics

User deploys working API
API is production-ready
User understands port configuration
Database connections work
Security best practices followed