bf-deployment

Deployment

Introduction

Deploying a MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) stack application, with the frontend hosted on Netlify and the backend on Vercel. This setup leverages the strengths of both platforms for a seamless and efficient deployment experience.

Learning Objectives

  1. Choosing Hosting Platforms:

    • Compare and contrast the features of Netlify and Vercel as hosting platforms for frontend and backend services, respectively.
  2. Netlify for Frontend:

    • Learn how to set up a Netlify account and connect a GitHub repository for seamless frontend deployments.
    • Understand the importance of specifying build commands, output directories, and environment variables in the Netlify dashboard.
  3. Vercel for Backend:

    • Familiarize yourself with the Vercel platform by creating an account and connecting a GitHub repository for backend deployments.
    • Gain insights into configuring build settings, including build commands and output directories, in the Vercel dashboard.
  4. Environment Variables and Security:

    • Grasp the significance of environment variables in both Netlify and Vercel for managing sensitive information such as API keys and database connection strings.
    • Learn best practices for securely setting and managing environment variables in deployment environments.
  5. Manual and Automatic Deployments:

    • Understand the process of triggering manual deployments on both Netlify and Vercel.
    • Explore the benefits and considerations of setting up automatic deployments for continuous integration.
  6. Monitoring and Logs:

    • Gain proficiency in monitoring deployments by reviewing deployment logs in both Netlify and Vercel dashboards.
    • Learn how to troubleshoot common deployment issues and interpret deployment logs effectively.
  7. Testing Deployed Applications:

    • Develop a testing strategy for thoroughly testing a MERN stack application after deployment on Netlify and Vercel.
    • Explore tools and methodologies for testing frontend and backend functionality independently.
  8. Scalability Considerations:

    • Understand how the chosen hosting platforms support scalability for both frontend and backend services.
    • Explore features such as serverless functions and CDN integration for optimizing application performance.
  9. Documentation and Collaboration:

    • Develop documentation practices for recording deployment configurations and settings.
    • Explore collaboration features within Netlify and Vercel for team-based deployments and project management.