# Node.js Quickstart

> Deploy a small Node.js HTTP application as a NexHost Web Service.

Source: https://nexthomelabs.com/docs/quickstarts/node
Slug: quickstarts/node
Section: Quickstarts
Last updated: 2026-08-30

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# Node.js Quickstart

This quickstart deploys a small HTTP application as a [Web Service](/docs/services/web-services). Use [Frontend App](/docs/services/frontend-app) instead for a server-rendered Next.js or similar UI.

## Create the application

```bash
mkdir my-node-app && cd my-node-app
npm init -y
npm install express
```

Create `index.js`:

```js
const express = require("express");
const app = express();
const port = Number(process.env.PORT);

app.get("/", (_request, response) => response.send("Hello from NexHost"));
app.get("/health", (_request, response) => response.status(200).json({ ok: true }));

app.listen(port, "0.0.0.0");
```

Set the start script in `package.json`:

```json
{ "scripts": { "start": "node index.js" } }
```

## Configure the service

1. In **New Project**, select **Web Service**.
2. Choose a supported source and connect this project.
3. Set **Start command** to `npm start`.
4. Set **Health path** to `/health`.
5. Deploy and open the generated hostname shown by the dashboard.

The server must use `process.env.PORT` and bind to `0.0.0.0`. See [Deployment Troubleshooting](/docs/deployments/troubleshooting) if the health check fails.