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Deploying a Spring Boot App on a Cheap Linux VPS

Detailed close-up of computer components including RAM and cables inside a server or high-performance PC.
Photo by Athena Sandrini on Pexels. Source.

Introduction

Deploying a Spring Boot application on a budget doesn’t have to be daunting. With affordable VPS options and some basic setup, you can get your application running efficiently without breaking the bank. This guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following prerequisites:

  • A Spring Boot application packaged as a JAR.
  • Basic understanding of Linux command line.
  • A DigitalOcean or similar VPS provider account.
  • Domain registered via Namecheap or equivalent.

Choosing a VPS Provider

When selecting a VPS provider, consider options like DigitalOcean, which offer competitive pricing and reliable service. For most applications, a basic plan is sufficient to start.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Visit Namecheap or a similar domain registrar to purchase your desired domain. Having a custom domain adds professionalism to your app deployment.

Setup VPS Environment

Once your VPS is ready, SSH into your server and start configuring the environment:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk

Ensure Java is installed since Spring Boot runs on the JVM.

Deploy Spring Boot Application

Upload your Spring Boot JAR to the VPS and run it:

java -jar myapp.jar &

Using the & symbol runs the application in the background.

Configure Domain and DNS

Point your domain to your VPS’s IP address via DNS settings. This typically involves setting an A record within your domain registrar.

Verify Deployment

Access your app via the domain to ensure everything is working properly. You may need to configure your firewall rules to allow traffic on port 80 (HTTP).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Application not starting: Check Java version compatibility.
  • Domain not resolving: Recheck DNS configurations and propagation time.
  • Firewall blocking: Ensure port access settings are correct on your VPS.

Conclusion

Deploying a Spring Boot app on a budget is feasible and efficient with the right setup. Follow these steps to manage your own server and app deployment smoothly.

Sources

Information referenced from a relevant discussion on Reddit: Click Here.

Transparency Note

This article was assisted by AI and the sources were verified by automated tools.