Install Sails.js on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Install NVM

Node Version Manager (NVM) lets you manage different versions of Node.js easily. Run this command to install the latest stable NVM version:

curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh -o install_nvm.sh | bash install_nvm.sh

Next, update your bash profile:

source ~/.bashrc

Install Node.js

Now, use NVM to install the current Active LTS version of Node.js:

nvm install --lts

Install Sails.js

npm -g install sails

Check the installation by running:

sails --version

Create Sails app

Creating a Sails app on Ubuntu involves making a new folder for your project. You’ll then use the Sails command tool to set up your app’s basic structure. After selecting ‘Web App’ when prompted, navigate into your folder, install necessary files, and start the app using ‘sails lift’.

sails new geek-app

Select “Web App” when prompted. Navigate into your folder, install dependencies, and start the app:

cd geek-app
npm install
sails lift

Create Sails systemd service

You can make your Sails app start automatically when your Ubuntu server restarts by creating a systemd service file. This file ensures your app runs on its own after a reboot, so you don’t have to start it manually every time. Use the command ‘sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/geek-app.service’ to create and edit this file.

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/geek-app.service

Paste the following into the file. Replace $USER with your actual system username:

[Unit]
Description=Sails.js App
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=$USER
WorkingDirectory=/home/$USER/geek-app
ExecStart=/bin/bash -c "source /home/$USER/.nvm/nvm.sh && npm start"
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Reload the system and start your service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable geek-app --now

You can now manage your app with sudo systemctl stop geek-app or sudo systemctl start geek-app.

Using reverse proxy

Running your Sails app behind a reverse proxy like Nginx or Apache is recommended for a production setup on Ubuntu. A reverse proxy helps manage incoming traffic safely and efficiently. You can set up Nginx or Apache for this purpose and also secure your site using Let’s Encrypt for added protection.

How to set up a reverse proxy with Nginx

How to set up a reverse proxy with Apache

You may also secure your site with Let’s Encrypt:

Set up Let’s Encrypt with Nginx

Set up Let’s Encrypt with Apache

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Sails.js and configured it to run as a background service on Ubuntu. Your environment is now ready for professional web development.

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