Running a Ruby on Rails application on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can significantly enhance your app’s performance, security, and scalability. Whether you’re transitioning from a development environment or scaling an existing app, setting up a VPS correctly is crucial for the smooth operation of your Rails application. This article will guide you through the process of configuring your VPS and deploying your Ruby on Rails application efficiently.
Step 1: Setting Up Your VPS for Rails
To begin, select a VPS provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Linode that supports the operating system of your choice, with Ubuntu and CentOS being popular choices among Rails developers. Once you have your VPS, access your server via SSH. Ensure your system is up to date by running commands like sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade for Ubuntu, or sudo yum update for CentOS.
Next, install Ruby using RVM (Ruby Version Manager), which allows you to manage multiple Ruby environments. Install RVM by executing curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable. After installing RVM, install Ruby by running rvm install ruby-version, replacing ruby-version with the version your Rails app requires. Once Ruby is installed, set it as the default version with rvm use ruby-version --default.
Lastly, install Rails and other necessary gems. First, update the gem manager with gem update --system, then install Rails with gem install rails. If your application has a Gemfile, navigate to your app’s directory and run bundle install to install the required gems. Additionally, install Node.js and Yarn, as Rails typically requires JavaScript runtime and asset management, by running sudo apt install nodejs and sudo npm install --global yarn on Ubuntu.
Step 2: Deploying Your Rails Application
Begin the deployment by uploading your Rails application to the server. You can use Git for source control; clone your repository directly on your server via git clone. Alternatively, you could use FTP or SCP to transfer your files. Ensure your .env or secrets.yml files are properly configured with your server’s details.
Configure your database by installing the necessary database software. For instance, if your Rails application uses PostgreSQL, install it with sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib libpq-dev. Create the database user and production database, and ensure your database.yml file is configured to match these settings. Run RAILS_ENV=production rake db:create db:migrate to set up your Rails application’s database schema.
Finally, set up a web server and application server. Nginx paired with Puma is a commonly used choice among Rails developers. Install Nginx and configure it to proxy requests to your Rails app. Install the Puma gem if not already included in your Gemfile and set it up to run in daemon mode. Use a process monitor like systemd or foreman to manage your Rails processes. Don’t forget to open the necessary firewall ports (typically port 80 and 443 for HTTP and HTTPS traffic) to allow web traffic to your server.
Deploying a Ruby on Rails application on a VPS involves careful setup of the server environment and correct deployment of the application files and database. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that your Rails application runs efficiently and securely on your VPS. With your application now live, you can enjoy the robustness of Rails combined with the flexibility and control that a VPS offers. Whether you are running a small application or a large-scale enterprise system, these steps provide a solid foundation for your Ruby on Rails deployment.
