How to host CodeIgniter on InterServer VPS - ServerAvatar

CodeIgniter is an open-source PHP framework known for its features and flexibility. It allows developers to build and manage web applications efficiently, providing tools for routing, database interaction, and session management. With its extensive libraries and easy customization options, CodeIgniter facilitates the creation of web solutions without requiring advanced technical skills. InterServer serves as a reliable hosting choice for CodeIgniter, offering scalable infrastructure and straightforward deployment options. ServerAvatar facilitates a user-friendly experience for deploying the CodeIgniter application on the InterServer platform.

Create a VPS in InterServer

Getting started with InterServer:

InterServer's Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting leads their array of hosting solutions, providing businesses and developers a sturdy platform to drive their online endeavors with dependable flexibility. InterServer's VPS hosting leverages cutting-edge technology and infrastructure housed in state-of-the-art data centers. This ensures optimal performance and uptime, crucial for demanding applications and websites. With Interserver's VPS plans, users benefit from dedicated resources including CPU cores, RAM, and storage, providing a scalable environment capable of handling varying levels of traffic and resource requirements.

Interserver's VPS hosting stands out for its cost-effectiveness while maintaining high performance and a rich feature set. Their range of VPS plans caters to diverse needs, accommodating startups, small businesses, and large enterprises with tailored solutions. Whether you're launching a new project, migrating an existing site, or seeking to upgrade to a more robust hosting solution, Interserver's VPS hosting offers the performance, scalability, and support needed to succeed in today's digital landscape.

Let’s get started with creating the virtual private server in Interserver, for that follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Accessing Your InterServer Account

• First, log in to InterServer account. If you are new to InterServer, click on the Sign Up to register with InterServer. Refer to the below image.

Step 2: Create VPS in InterServer

• After you log in to your InterServer account, the Dashboard of InterServer will appear. You can see various sections like Domains, Web Hosting, Licenses, Storage, and Dedicated Servers. However, you have to click on the Order Now button in the VPS section to create a fresh VPS.

Step 3: Configuring the VPS in InterServer

• First you need to choose the Platform for your VPS. It should be a kernel-based virtual machine (KVM).
• Now you have to select the location of your VPS. Make sure to select a server location closest to your major traffic source demographically.
• Then you have to select the Slices. It is the number of cores on your server, which you can select according to your requirements.
• Moreover, you have to choose image i.e. an operating system running on the server. So here you have to select an OS for your server along with its versions. Generally, the CodeIgniter application requires Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or a later version for optimal performance and support. If you are managing your servers with ServerAvatar, Select Ubuntu 20.04 x64 bit or Ubuntu 22.04 x64 bit.
• In addition to this you have to set the root password for your VPS of your own choice. After filling up all the necessary details for your VPS Click on the Continue button.

Step 4: Review your VPS details

• Here you have to verify the details of your virtual machine, select the agreed terms checkbox, and click on the Place Order button to create VPS.

Step 5: Make a payment for your VPS

• The final step is to make a payment for your VPS, so for that, you have to Add Billing Address and verify your order of VPS. There are various modes of payment available to make a payment for your VPS. Select the mode as per your convenience.

• Congratulations! You have successfully created your instance in InterServer which is now ready to connect with ServerAvatar.

Initial Server Configuration

The Initial server configuration includes the installation and configuration of various packages required to host your website. Usually, You have to write commands and modify configuration files. Luckily, With ServerAvatar, Your full server configuration and optimization can be automated.

Here are the three ways to automatically configure your server with ServerAvatar.

wget https://srvr.so/install
chmod +x install
./install

Install and Setup CodeIgniter on Cloud using ServerAvatar

Getting Started with CodeIgniter:

CodeIgniter is a powerful PHP Framework. It's a fantastic choice for small websites and projects. CodeIgniter comes with various features and functionalities. CodeIgniter Framework is Light, Fast, Flexible, and Secure to build full-stack web applications. CodeIgniter is most often noted for its speed when compared to other PHP frameworks. Thanks to its versatile features and advantages, CodeIgniter is in high demand among PHP developers. Web applications developed with CodeIgniter perform efficiently and quickly.

Key Features:

1. Open Source: CodeIgniter is open-source, you can build Web applications according to your needs.
2. Light weight: CodeIgniter is extremely light-weighted. its core system requires a very small library. That is why it is quite fast and lightweight.
3. SEO-friendly URLs: CodeIgniter generates clean, search-engine-friendly URLs.
4. MVC Pattern: CodeIgniter follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern, which separates logic and presentation. The controller handles requests, the model performs database actions, and the view displays the output.
5. Built-in libraries: CodeIgniter comes with a comprehensive set of libraries for web tasks like database handling, form validation, sending emails, image manipulation, and more.

Setting up CodeIgniter:

Step 1: Create a GitHub application

Start by creating a GitHub Application using ServerAvatar. Go to the Applications tab on the server panel and click on the Create button as shown in the image below.

On the following screen, fill in the Application details, including:

• Application Name: enter your Application Name.
• Select Domain: Select between a Test Domain or a Primary Domain as per your requirements.
• Enter Domain: Enter your Application Domain.
• Method: Select Git as your application method.
• Service Provider: Select GitHub as service provider for cloning the repository.
• Repository Type: Public
• Clone HTTPS URL: https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4.git
• Branch: master
• Deployment Script: composer update (to update the composer after cloning)

Now, your Application is ready. You can see your Application in the Dashboard.

Step 2: Create a Database

To create a Database that stores your confidential data, Go to the Dashboard and click on the Databases option. Enter Your Database name and just hit on the “Create a Database” button as shown in the image below.

After successfully creating a Database, you can see your Database in the Databases Dashboard.

Step 3: SSH Setup and env Configuration

• First, go to the Application Dashboard and enable SFTP/SSH Credentials as shown in the below image.

• After, enabling SFTP/SSH, you can log in to your server. Open a terminal and use the following command: sudo ssh {username}@{ip}
• Replace {username} with your actual Username and {ip} with your server's IP address. You will be prompted to enter your password. After successful authentication, you will have remote access to your server.
• Navigate to your Application Path by running the following command: cd CodeIgniterApp/public_html/

• Next, you need to copy or move the env file to the .env file.
• Command for Copy: cp env .env

• Command for Move: mv env .env

Step 4: Configure .env file

• Navigate to the Application Panel and go to the FIle Manager option and open the public_html folder.
• Now, click on the Show Hidden Files option and open the .env file by clicking on it.

• As shown in the image below, the environment is set to production by default in the .env file. It's recommended to test your application in a development environment initially.
• Edit and update your application's database details:
  • Database Name
  • Database Username
  • Database Password

• To find your database credentials, navigate to the Databases section in the server panel and click on the manage users icon next to the database you have set up for your application.

• You can see your Database credentials as shown in the image below.

Step 5: Update Custom Webroot

• To run your application on a server, you must set your Custom Webroot to public. To update this setting, navigate to the Settings option in the sidebar of your application.
• Add public in the Custom Webroot Section and click on Update Custom Webroot as shown in the below image.

Step 6: Access CodeIgniter

• Now, to access the CodeIgniter, open your web browser and enter your site's domain.
  • Example: http://codeigniter.satesting1.click
  • For instance: http://your-application-domain

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and deployed CodeIgniter through ServerAvatar.

Conclusion :

• Deploying a CodeIgniter application with ServerAvatar is a straightforward process that ensures your web application is running efficiently & smoothly.
• ServerAvatar simplifies the deployment process with its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it an excellent choice for PHP developers looking to leverage the power of CodeIgniter.
• With CodeIgniter, start your deployment today and enjoy the benefits of a fast, flexible, and secure web application built on one of the most popular PHP frameworks.