Enable Application Manager in WHM (Web Host Manager) is essential for administrators who want to offer Ruby and Node.js application management directly through their users’ cPanel accounts. The Application Manager makes it possible for end-users to deploy and manage web applications without direct access to the server’s command line, streamlining the process and making application hosting more accessible for users. To enable the Application Manager, EasyApache 4 in WHM is used, as it provides the necessary modules to support these applications.
Steps to Enable the Application Manager via EasyApache 4
The primary component required to enable Application Manager in WHM is mod_passenger, an Apache module that serves as the backend for handling Ruby and Node.js applications. Below are the detailed steps to activate it via EasyApache 4 in WHM:
Access WHM and Open EasyApache 4:
- Start by logging in to WHM with root access. Only root or users with sufficient privileges can access EasyApache and make system-wide changes to enable Application Manager in WHM
- Once logged in, use the search bar on the left side of the WHM interface and search for “EasyApache 4”. Click on EasyApache 4 from the results to open the configuration interface.
Customize the EasyApache Profile:
- EasyApache 4 provides a modular approach to adding packages, allowing you to build a specific profile tailored to your needs. Click Customize under your current profile to start modifying the server configuration.
- EasyApache 4 is structured into sections (Apache Modules, PHP versions, Additional Packages, etc.), making it easy to locate and add specific packages.
Enable Application Manager in WHM
- Passenger, also known as mod_passenger, is the key module required to run the Application Manager. It serves as an application server for Ruby and Node.js, making it essential for the Application Manager to function in cPanel.
- Navigate to the Additional Packages section in EasyApache 4.
- Scroll down or use the search feature to locate mod_passenger. Check the box next to it to include it in your Apache setup to enable Application Manager in WHM
Provision the Profile:
- After selecting mod_passenger, click Review to confirm your chosen configuration. This review step allows you to double-check all selected modules before applying changes.
- Once reviewed, click Provision to initiate the installation process. The provisioning process may take a few minutes, as EasyApache needs to install and configure the necessary packages.
- When provisioning is complete, EasyApache will display a confirmation message.
Verify the Application Manager Availability:
- After enabling mod_passenger, cPanel should now display the Application Manager feature in the cPanel dashboard for eligible users.
- To confirm, log in to a cPanel account and check for the Application Manager icon under the Software section. This manager allows users to deploy Ruby and Node.js applications directly through their cPanel interface.
Optional: Configure Permissions for Users:
- If you want to restrict or control access to the Application Manager for specific user groups or accounts, you can do so via Feature Manager in WHM.
- Go to WHM’s Feature Manager and select the feature list associated with the accounts you want to adjust. Ensure the enable Application Manager in WHM or disabled based on your preferences for each user or package.
What is Apache Passenger (mod_passenger)?
Apache Passenger, or mod_passenger, is an application server for hosting dynamic applications such as Ruby on Rails, Node.js, and Python applications. By adding this module, Apache gains the capability to route requests to applications in these languages efficiently, enabling seamless app deployment and management. In cPanel, mod_passenger is essential for the Application Manager because it allows Apache to host web applications with various frameworks.
Passenger is particularly popular because it simplifies the server configuration for complex applications, enabling auto-scaling, process management, and efficient load balancing. It is compatible with Apache, meaning it works smoothly within the cPanel/WHM ecosystem, which is based on Apache.
Benefits of Enabling the Application Manager
User-Friendly Application Deployment:
- Enable Application Manager in WHM allows users to manage their applications directly from cPanel, which reduces the need for command-line intervention and makes hosting accessible to a broader user base.
Improved Performance and Resource Management:
- With mod_passenger, application processes are efficiently managed, reducing server load and resource usage, particularly in environments with multiple applications running simultaneously.
Support for Multiple Frameworks:
- Enable Application Manager in WHM supports popular frameworks and languages, including Ruby on Rails and Node.js, expanding the types of applications that can be deployed on your server.
Enhanced Security and Isolation:
- Each application operates in its own environment, isolating it from others. This isolation enhances security by preventing one application from affecting others on the same server.
By following these steps, WHM administrators can empower users to deploy and manage applications efficiently while maintaining security and performance standards across the server. The Application Manager via mod_passenger in EasyApache 4 is an excellent addition for hosting providers looking to enhance their service offerings with minimal overhead and complexity.