How To Point A Domain Name To A Node.js Server?

Configuring Your Node.js Server

To set up your Node.js server for domain connection, configure it to listen on the right port. Web servers often use port 80 for HTTP traffic or port 443 for HTTPS. Update your server code to listen on the correct port:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const port = process.env.PORT || 80;

app.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Server running on port ${port}`);
});

Set up your server to handle incoming requests. This includes setting up routes, middleware, and security measures.

const https = require('https');
const fs = require('fs');

const options = {
  key: fs.readFileSync('path/to/private-key.pem'),
  cert: fs.readFileSync('path/to/certificate.pem')
};

https.createServer(options, app).listen(443, () => {
  console.log('HTTPS server running on port 443');
});

Managing DNS Settings

To connect your domain to your Node.js server, update the DNS settings:

1. Log in to your domain registrar's control panel.
2. Find the DNS management section.
3. Create an A record that points your domain to your server's IP address.
4. For the "www" subdomain, create a CNAME record that points "www" to your root domain.

Example:

• A record: yourdomain.com -> 203.0.113.1 (your server's IP)
• CNAME record: www -> yourdomain.com

Verifying Domain Propagation

After updating DNS settings, it can take up to 48 hours for changes to spread globally. To check the progress:

1. Use online DNS propagation checkers like WhatsMyDNS or DNSChecker.
2. These tools show how your domain's DNS is resolving in different locations worldwide.

If you have issues with propagation:

• Check your DNS records for errors.
• Clear your browser cache and try accessing your site in incognito mode.
• Be patient, as propagation can sometimes take longer than expected.

By following these steps, you can point your domain to your Node.js server and make your application accessible via your custom domain name.