# Migrating an existing application from Node.js Selector to a manual installation

> Move a Node.js app from the cPanel Node.js Selector to a manual Node.js installation on a server you manage over SSH.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/software/migrating-an-existing-application-from-node-js-selector-to-a-manual/

In some cases, you may need to migrate your Node.js  application from the **Node.js  Selector** in cPanel to a **manual Node.js  installation**. This is common when moving from shared hosting to an unmanaged VPS or dedicated server where the Node.js  Selector is not available.

## Steps to Migrate Your Application

### 1. Create a New Application Directory

1. Connect to your server via SSH.
2. Create a directory for your application:

   ```
   mkdir ~/myapp
   cd ~/myapp
   npm init -y
   ```

   You can name the directory anything you want, not just `myapp`.

### 2. Install Node.js and npm

- On unmanaged hosting packages, you may need to install Node.js  and npm manually.
- Use your Linux distribution’s package manager (e.g., `apt`, `yum`, or `dnf`) to install them.

### 3. Copy Application Files

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. On the **Tools page → Software → Setup Node.js  App**, locate your existing application.
3. Copy the files from the application’s root directory into the new directory you created (`~/myapp`).

### 4. Modify Application Files

- ### Port Number

  - Applications created by Node.js  Selector obtain port numbers dynamically.
  - For manual installations, assign a specific port number.
  - Example using Express:

    ```
    const express = require('express');
    const app = express();
    const port = 3000;

    app.get('/', (req, res) => res.send('Hello World!'));
    app.listen(port, () => console.log(`App listening at http://localhost:${port}`));
    ```
- ### Routes

  - Node.js  Selector apps use the value specified in the **Application URL** field to create the root path.
  - For manual installations, `/` is typically the root path.
  - Adjust your routes accordingly.

### 5. Start the Application

- Run your app manually:

  ```
  node app.js
  ```
- Or use a process manager like **PM2** to keep the app running:

  ```
  npm install -g pm2
  pm2 start app.js
  pm2 startup
  pm2 save
  ```

> **Note:**
- Manual installations give you more flexibility but require more configuration.
- Always secure your application with a firewall and reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx).
- Restart the app after making changes to files or dependencies.