Do you want to run a Node.js application on cheap web hosting without complicated configuration or an expensive VPS? At Theory7.net you can simply do that on your shared hosting plan. In this article I explain how to go live within a few minutes, even if you have never worked with Node.js before.

Why Node.js and why Theory7?

Node.js is hugely popular for building fast web apps, APIs and real-time applications such as chats and dashboards. And the best part? You don't need to rent an expensive server. With web hosting you can simply run your Node app on a shared plan, ideal for beginners, hobbyists and developers who want to test quickly.

What do you need?

- A hosting plan at Theory7.net
- Access to DirectAdmin
- Optionally an FTP program (for example FileZilla)
- Basic knowledge of the terminal, or just some copy/pasting

Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin

Log in to your hosting environment via DirectAdmin. Scroll down until you see ‘Extra features’ and click ‘Setup Node.js App’.

Step 2: Create the Node.js app

Click ‘Create Application’ and fill in the settings:

  • Node.js version: For example, choose version 18 or 20

  • Application root: For example myapp, this is the folder your app will live in

  • Application URL: Leave empty to use it on your main domain, or enter /app

  • Startup file: For example app.js or index.js

Click ‘Create’ and your environment is created automatically!

Step 3: Use SSH to activate your app

In DirectAdmin you now see a line such as:

source /home/yourdomain/nodevenv/myapp/20/bin/activate && cd /home/yourdomain/myapp

Copy this line and paste it into your terminal (use, for example, PuTTY or your computer's terminal).

Step 4: Install packages via NPM

Now that you are in the right Node environment, you can install packages:

npm init -y npm install express

Choose whatever you need, such as express, socket.io, dotenv, etc.

Step 5: Write and start your app

Now create your app.js with this example code:

const express = require('express'); const app = express(); const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000; app.get('/', (req, res) => { res.send('Hello from Node.js on Theory7!'); }); app.listen(PORT, () => { console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`); });

Save this file in the root folder of your app.

Step 6: Restart your app

Go back to DirectAdmin → ‘Setup Node.js App’
Click ‘Restart Application’ and your app is live!

Bonus: Combine it with WordPress or other tools

Want to run Node.js alongside your WordPress website? You can! Simply use a subfolder or subdomain for your Node app and run your site on our WordPress hosting: fast, secure and affordable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I also use a database with Node.js?
Yes, you can connect to MongoDB Atlas or use the MySQL databases in your hosting plan.

Is this suitable for production?
Definitely. For serious projects you can set the Application mode to ‘Production’ in DirectAdmin.

Do I need root access?
No! Everything works within your own hosting account. Super secure and hassle-free.

Running Node.js on shared hosting? At Theory7 it's literally a matter of clicking, copying and pasting. No complicated VPS configurations or high costs. Just get started quickly with your Node.js app, at the very lowest price.

Check out our web hosting or combine it with WordPress hosting for the ultimate combo.

Further reading