How to update node application without server restart

Updating Node.js Applications Without Manual Restart Using Nodemon

When developing Node.js applications, manually restarting the server every time you make changes to your code can be both time-consuming and tedious. Thankfully, tools like Nodemon simplify the development workflow by automatically restarting your Node.js application whenever a file changes. This article explores how to set up and use Nodemon to enhance your productivity.

What is Nodemon?

Nodemon is a utility that monitors changes in your Node.js application files and automatically restarts the server when a change is detected. It’s particularly useful for developers who need rapid feedback while coding.

Key Features of Nodemon

• Automatic server restarts on file changes.

• Supports custom configurations for monitoring specific files or directories.

• Compatible with most Node.js frameworks and libraries.

• Lightweight and easy to set up.

Installing Nodemon

To get started with Nodemon, you’ll need to have Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed on your system.

1. Open your terminal.

2. Install Nodemon globally by running:

   npm install -g nodemon

Alternatively, you can add it as a development dependency to your project:

    npm install --save-dev nodemon

Running Your Application with Nodemon

Using Nodemon to run your application is simple. Instead of starting your app with node, use nodemon:

nodemon app.js

and if nodemon is not installed globally then execute following:

./node_modules/.bin/nodemon app.js

Here, app.js is the entry point of your application. Nodemon will now monitor your project files and automatically restart the server when any changes are detected.

Customizing Nodemon

Using a Configuration File

Nodemon allows you to create a configuration file for more advanced setups. By default, it looks for a nodemon.json file in the root of your project. Here’s an example configuration:

{
  "watch": ["src"],
  "ext": "js,json,html",
  "ignore": ["node_modules"],
  "exec": "node src/index.js"
}

• watch: Specifies the directories or files to monitor.

• ext: Defines the file extensions to watch.

• ignore: Excludes specific files or directories from monitoring.

• exec: Specifies the command to run your application.

Command-Line Options

Nodemon also supports various command-line options for customization:

• Watch Specific Files/Directories:

  nodemon --watch src

• Ignore Files/Directories:

  nodemon --ignore logs

• Specify Extensions to Watch:

  nodemon --ext js,html

Enhancing Productivity with Nodemon

Here are a few tips to make the most of Nodemon:

1. Combine with Environment Variables: Use environment variables to manage different configurations:

   nodemon -e js --exec "NODE_ENV=development node app.js"

2. Integrate with npm Scripts: Define a script in your package.json for easy use:

   "scripts": {
     "start:dev": "nodemon app.js"
   }

   Then run:

   npm run start:dev

3. Use Debugging Tools: Nodemon works seamlessly with Node.js debugging tools. Start your app in debug mode:

   nodemon --inspect app.js

Conclusion

Nodemon is a powerful tool that eliminates the hassle of manually restarting your Node.js server during development. With its flexibility and ease of use, it’s a must-have for any Node.js developer looking to streamline their workflow.

Set up Nodemon today and enjoy a smoother, more efficient development experience!

Cheers,

Kapil