Create a Chat App with Ktor - Deployment Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Choose Hostinger for VPS Server?
3. What is a VPS Server?
4. Advantages of Using a VPS Server
5. Disadvantages of Using a VPS Server
6. Setting Up Hostinger VPS Server
   • Choosing a Server Name and Location
   • Selecting an Operating System
   • Setting Up Root Password and SSH Key
7. Updating Dependencies and Installing Java
8. Configuring SSH and SSHD
9. Creating a systemd Service
10. Opening Ports and Installing MongoDB
11. Configuring Gradle and Generating the JAR File
12. Deploying the Chat App Server
13. Configuring the Android App
14. Testing the Deployed Chat App Server
15. Conclusion

Setting Up and Deploying Your Chat App Server with Hostinger VPS

Hey guys, welcome back to a new video and the last part of our caterer android chat app course in which we will actually take what we've built in the previous two videos, and we're now going to deploy that so You're actually going to be able to use the chat that we build together with your friends so they can sit at the other end of the world and chat with you. In this video, we're going to use Hostinger, which is actually the sponsor of this video, so thanks Hostinger!

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to set up and deploy your Own Chat app server using Hostinger's VPS hosting service. We will cover everything from choosing a server location to configuring the server and deploying your app. By the end of this article, you will have a fully functional chat app server that you can use to chat with your friends.

Why Choose Hostinger for VPS Server?

Hostinger is a reliable and user-friendly VPS hosting provider that offers an easy-to-use dashboard and 24/7 support. With Hostinger, you can quickly set up a VPS server and have full control over your virtual machine. The simplicity of the dashboard makes it an ideal choice for beginners, while the 24/7 support ensures that you will always receive help when needed.

What is a VPS Server?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine that is hosted on a remote server. It provides the user with full control over the server, allowing them to install any software and configure it according to their needs. A VPS server is often used to host websites, run applications, or store data. It offers more control and flexibility compared to shared hosting, allowing users to customize their server environment.

Advantages of Using a VPS Server

• Full control and flexibility: With a VPS server, you have complete control over your environment and can install any software or configure it to suit your needs.
• Reliability and performance: VPS servers are typically more reliable and offer better performance compared to shared hosting.
• Scalability: VPS servers can easily be scaled up or down to accommodate the changing needs of your Website or application.
• Security: VPS servers provide a higher level of security compared to shared hosting, as each user's data is isolated from others on the same server.

Disadvantages of Using a VPS Server

• Technical knowledge required: Setting up and managing a VPS server requires technical knowledge of server administration.
• Higher cost: VPS servers are more expensive than shared hosting, as you have dedicated resources and more control over your server environment.

Setting Up Hostinger VPS Server

Choosing a Server Name and Location

The first step in setting up your Hostinger VPS server is to choose a server name and location. The server name is not crucial, but it's recommended to choose a name related to your project. Select a location that is closest to your main user base to ensure better performance.

Selecting an Operating System

Hostinger provides various Linux distributions for VPS servers. In this tutorial, we will select Ubuntu 20.04 as our operating system. Ubuntu is a popular choice for VPS servers due to its stability and community support.

Setting Up Root Password and SSH Key

During the setup process, you will be prompted to set up a root password and SSH key. The root password is used to log in to your server via SSH. You can also choose to add an SSH key for more secure authentication. Hostinger provides a step-by-step guide to generating an SSH key and adding it to your server.

Updating Dependencies and Installing Java

Once your server is set up, you need to update the dependencies and install Java. Run the following commands in your terminal:

apt update
apt-get install default-jdk

Configuring SSH and SSHD

To ensure secure access to your server, it's essential to configure SSH and SSHD. Open the SSHD config file using the following command:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Inside the config file, add the following line:

KexAlgorithms curve25519-sha256@libssh.org

Save the file and restart the SSHD service using the following command:

systemctl restart sshd

Creating a systemd Service

To automatically launch your chat app server on startup, you need to Create a systemd service. Open the following file:

nano /etc/systemd/system/chat.service

Copy and paste the configuration from the tutorial into the file. Make sure to replace the necessary placeholders, such as the jar file name and server IP address. Save the file and restart the service:

systemctl restart chat

Opening Ports and Installing MongoDB

To ensure your server is accessible and enable database connections, you need to open the required ports and install MongoDB. Run the following commands:

iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -p tcp --dport 80 -j REDIRECT --to-port 8080
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j ACCEPT
apt-key adv --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv 4B7C549A058F8B6B
echo "deb [ arch=amd64,arm64 ] http://repo.mongodb.org/apt/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc)/mongodb-org/4.4 multiverse" | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mongodb-org-4.4.list
apt-get update
apt-get install mongodb-org
systemctl unmask mongod
systemctl enable mongod
systemctl restart mongod

Configuring Gradle and Generating the JAR File

To automate the deployment process of your chat app server, you need to configure Gradle and generate the JAR file. Copy the provided Gradle configuration and paste it into your project's build.gradle file. This configuration sets up the Shadow plugin, which generates the JAR file with all the required dependencies.

Deploying the Chat App Server

To deploy your chat app server, execute the following Gradle task in your terminal:

gradle shadowJar

This task generates the JAR file and stores it in the build/libs directory. You can then use the SSH and SCP commands to copy the JAR file to your server and restart the chat service.

Configuring the Android App

In the Android app code, make sure to update the server IP address in the MessageService class. Replace the placeholder with the IP address of your VPS server.

Testing the Deployed Chat App Server

Run your Android app and test the functionality of the deployed chat app server. Ensure that messages are sent and received correctly between devices. You can also check the MongoDB instance to verify that messages are being saved properly.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and deployed your chat app server using Hostinger's VPS hosting. With the ability to chat with your friends anywhere in the world, this server provides a convenient and secure way to communicate. Remember to make any necessary adjustments to suit your specific needs and use the power of Hostinger's VPS server to Scale your chat app as your user base grows.

Highlights

• Hostinger provides an easy-to-use dashboard and 24/7 support for VPS hosting.
• Configuring SSH, SSHD, and MongoDB ensures secure and efficient server operations.
• Gradle and Shadow plugin simplify the process of building and deploying the chat app server.
• Updating firewall rules and port forwarding enables smooth communication between devices.
• Android app integration and testing ensure optimal functionality and user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different VPS hosting provider instead of Hostinger? A: Yes, you can choose any VPS hosting provider based on your requirements. However, Hostinger is recommended for its user-friendly dashboard and excellent support.

Q: Do I need technical knowledge to set up and deploy a chat app server on a VPS? A: Yes, setting up and deploying a chat app server on a VPS requires some technical knowledge. However, the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide will help you through the process.

Q: Can I deploy the chat app server using a different technology stack than the one demonstrated in this article? A: Yes, you can deploy a chat app server using a different technology stack. The process may vary depending on the frameworks and technologies you choose.

Q: How can I ensure the security of my chat app server hosted on a VPS? A: To enhance the security of your chat app server, ensure that you follow best practices, such as using strong passwords, setting up a firewall, and regularly updating server software. Additionally, consider implementing encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect user data.

Q: Can I scale my chat app server on a VPS as my user base grows? A: Yes, one of the advantages of using a VPS is the ability to scale resources based on demand. You can easily upgrade your VPS plan or add resources as needed to accommodate your growing user base.

Q: Is it necessary to use a VPS server for deploying a chat app? A: No, it is not necessary to use a VPS server for deploying a chat app. You can explore other hosting options, such as shared hosting or cloud hosting, depending on your requirements and budget. However, a VPS server provides more control, flexibility, and scalability compared to other hosting options.