Deploying the backend#

The only officially recognized hosting method is through Docker (or similar container runtimes). It can be scaled horizontally to all your heart's content and is the safest way to host the backend.

For configuration, check out the configuration reference.

Method 1 - Docker Deployment#

This method provides a straightforward setup with minimal configuration. For more extensive customization, see the Configuration Reference.

Prerequisites

• Docker: If you don't have Docker installed, download it from the official website: Docker installation
• Docker Compose: Install Docker Compose following the instructions for your operating system: Docker-Compose installation

Setup

1. Create docker-compose.yml:

   version: '3.8'
    
   services:
     postgres:
       image: postgres
       environment:
         POSTGRES_USER: movie_web_user 
         POSTGRES_DB: movie_web_backend 
         POSTGRES_PASSWORD: YourPasswordHere 
       ports:
         - "5432:5432" 
       networks:
         - movie-web-network
    
     movie-web:
       image: ghcr.io/movie-web/backend:latest
       environment:
         MWB_POSTGRES__CONNECTION: postgresql://movie_web_user:YourPasswordHere@postgres:5432/movie_web_backend
         MWB_CRYPTO__SESSION_SECRET: 32CharacterLongStringHere 
         MWB_META__NAME: unofficial-movie-web 
         MWB_POSTGRES__MIGRATE_ON_BOOT: "true"
         MIKRO_ORM_MIGRATIONS_DISABLE_FOREIGN_KEYS: "true" 
       ports:
         - "80:80"
       depends_on:
         - postgres
       networks:
         - movie-web-network
    
   networks:
     movie-web-network: 
       driver: bridge

   Important:

   • Replace YourPasswordHere with your secure database password.
   • Generate a strong session secret and replace 32CharacterLongStringHere.

2. Start the Backend: Open a terminal in the directory containing docker-compose.yml and execute:

   docker-compose up -d 

Accessing Your Backend

Your backend should be accessible on (YourPrivateIP):80. To share it outside your local network, you'll need to configure port forwarding or cloudflared tunnel.

Optional: Implementing a Reverse Proxy

To enhance your SSL and domain configuration, it's advisable to establish a reverse proxy, such as Nginx. For an optimal choice in this regard, Cloudflare Zero Trust Tunnel is recommended. You can find more information here.

• If you decide to utilize a reverse proxy, it's important to include MWB_SERVER__CORS: "https://movie.example.com" in your configuration.
  • MWB_SERVER__CORS must contain a space-separated list of origins (Protocol + Hostname) for the client to be able to access the backend.
• Depending on your specific setup, you may also require the addition of MWB_SERVER__TRUST_PROXY: true and MWB_SERVER__TRUST_CLOUDFLARE: true.

Method 2 - Railway (Easy)#

Railway offers you $5 of credit once you verify your account, which is enough to run the backend for around 5 months (~$0.90 per month).

1. Login to your Railway account if you have one, otherwise create one here.
   1. If you are signing up, then verify your account by clicking the link in the email Railway sends you.
   2. If you created your account with an email, then to verify your account further, go to your account, then plans and verify your account with a GitHub account.
2. Click the Deploy on Railway button above.
3. If a Configure button is displayed, click on it and allow Railway to access your GitHub account.
4. Fill in the required variables or change the default values.
5. The Deploy button at the bottom of the template should be active, click on it.
6. Once the Backend service has deployed, copy the URL from the Deployments page. (Might take a second for it to be available after the service has deployed)
7. Congratulations! You have deployed the backend, you can now set up the client.