Self-Host Next.js 15 on VPS in 8 Minutes (EASY!)

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to self-hosting a Next.js application on a Virtual Private Server (VPS). It explains how to use Docker to create a portable container of the Next.js app and deploy it on a VPS. The tutorial covers building a Docker image, pushing it to a container registry, setting up the VPS, and running the application with Docker. The video is ideal for developers with some server management experience and demonstrates how to use Docker for efficient app deployment while highlighting affordable VPS hosting options like Hostinger.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-hosting a Next.js app on a VPS is easier than it seems, and this tutorial guides you through the process.
• 😀 The app used in this tutorial demonstrates modern Next.js features, including client components, route handlers, and server actions.
• 😀 A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtualized server rented from a hosting company, offering a dedicated-like experience without the cost of owning physical hardware.
• 😀 Docker is the recommended method for hosting a Next.js app on a VPS. It packages the app and its dependencies into an image that can be run as a container.
• 😀 The tutorial uses Docker Desktop to create a Docker image from a Next.js app, which can then be deployed to the VPS.
• 😀 GitHub Container Registry is used to store the Docker image before deploying it to the VPS, providing easy access to the image from any system.
• 😀 A GitHub access token is needed to push the Docker image to the GitHub Container Registry, which is used for authentication during deployment.
• 😀 Hostinger is the VPS provider chosen for this tutorial, with a special Black Friday deal on VPS hosting.
• 😀 The VPS is set up using Ubuntu as the operating system. SSH is used to access the server remotely, and Docker is installed to manage containers.
• 😀 Once the image is pulled to the VPS, Docker runs it on port 3000, allowing the Next.js app to be accessed via the server's IP address (with an SSL warning until properly configured).
• 😀 The tutorial emphasizes that Docker is the easiest way to self-host Next.js on a VPS, but it's most suitable for developers with server management experience.

Q & A

What is a VPS, and how is it different from a dedicated server?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtualized server that simulates a dedicated server within a shared environment. Unlike a dedicated server, which is fully owned and isolated, a VPS is rented and shares the physical hardware with other users. It gives you full control over your environment, like a dedicated server, but at a more affordable cost.

Why is Docker recommended for deploying a Next.js app on a VPS?

Docker is recommended because it packages the Next.js app and its dependencies into a single, portable container. This simplifies deployment across different environments, ensuring consistency and reducing the complexity of server configurations. Docker helps avoid issues with dependencies and makes it easier to scale or migrate the app.

What are some of the features of the Next.js app shown in the tutorial?

The Next.js app in the tutorial includes a simple homepage and a 'cool page' that demonstrates modern Next.js features. These features include client components, route handlers, and server actions, allowing dynamic interaction between the client and server within the app.

How does the 'Standalone' option in Next.js affect the Docker image size?

By setting the output to 'Standalone' in the Next.js configuration, the app is built with a smaller size. This reduces the overall size of the Docker image, as unnecessary files and dependencies are excluded, making the image more efficient for deployment.

What is the purpose of a Dockerfile, and how is it used in this tutorial?

A Dockerfile is a blueprint that defines the environment for the Docker container. In this tutorial, it is used to specify how to build the Docker image for the Next.js app, including instructions on installing dependencies and setting configurations, such as output settings for Next.js.

What is the GitHub container registry, and why is it used in this process?

The GitHub container registry is a platform that allows developers to store and manage Docker images. In this process, it is used to store the Docker image of the Next.js app, making it easy to access and deploy on the VPS by pulling the image from GitHub rather than directly transferring it.

How do you access and log into the VPS after it is set up?

After setting up the VPS, you access it using SSH (Secure Shell) from the terminal by typing 'ssh root@<IP_address>' and entering the password you set up during the VPS configuration. This grants you remote access to the server for further setup and management.

What is the significance of installing Docker on the VPS?

Installing Docker on the VPS is necessary to run the containerized Next.js app. Docker manages the execution of containers, which encapsulate the app and its dependencies. This allows the app to run consistently across different environments, including the VPS.

How can you verify that Docker is installed and running correctly on the VPS?

You can verify Docker's installation and status by running the command 'docker --version' to check its version. Additionally, you can use 'systemctl is-active docker' to confirm that Docker is running, or 'systemctl start docker' to start it if it’s not active.

Why might you encounter an SSL warning when accessing the Next.js app on the VPS?

The SSL warning occurs because the app is being accessed over HTTP instead of HTTPS. Since SSL certificates are not yet configured, browsers will display a security warning. This can be resolved later by setting up SSL on the VPS for secure connections.