
Guide deploying Next.js and Directus fullstack app on VPS with simple CI/CD
Setting up a Next.js application on a VPS can be a challenging journey, especially for those who may not have extensive experience with server management. However, with the right guide, this process can be simplified to help developers deploy their applications efficiently. This document outlines the initial steps and optimizations needed to establish a robust environment using a VPS, preferably with an Ubuntu LTS distribution. From managing your server through SSH to configuring Nginx and ensuring security with Let's Encrypt, you'll find a comprehensive approach to setting up your Node.js application.
The focus is not only on getting your application running but also on ensuring it is secure and capable of restarting automatically. By following these instructions, users can confidently manage their server environment and ensure their Next.js applications operate smoothly and securely.
VPS Setup: Ideal use of Ubuntu LTS ensures a stable environment for your applications, with recommendations for reliable providers like OVH.
User Management: Creating a new user with admin privileges enhances security by limiting direct root access to the server.
Application Deployment: Utilizing PM2 for managing your Node.js app allows easy process management with features for auto-restarting and monitoring.
Nginx Configuration: Setting up Nginx provides a high-performance web server solution that handles requests efficiently and can serve as a reverse proxy.
Secure Connections: Implementing SSL with Let's Encrypt enhances security, ensuring that communication between your site and users is encrypted.
SSH Integration: Generating and adding SSH tokens to GitHub simplifies deployment, making the process of pulling updates from your repo seamless.
Firewall Management: Configuring firewall settings protects your server from unnecessary risks, allowing only secure access and important applications.
Resource Monitoring: Using PM2's built-in monitoring tools helps keep track of application performance, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively.

Next.js is a React-based web framework that enables server-side rendering, static site generation, and other powerful features for building modern web applications.
React is a widely used JavaScript library for building user interfaces and single-page applications. It follows a component-based architecture and uses a virtual DOM to efficiently update and render UI components
A website that uses Directus as an open source headless CMS to manage content. This includes features such as a customizable content model, role-based access control, and API-based content delivery to support a wide range of digital experiences.
Strapi is an open source headless CMS that provides a customizable content management system and API for your projects. It allows you to manage content in a visual interface and use a REST or GraphQL API to retrieve the data.
Recoil is a state management library for React that provides an intuitive and flexible API for managing and sharing state across components. It supports a range of features, including derived state, asynchronous updates, and time-travel debugging, and is designed to work well with the React ecosystem and other state management solutions.