TL;DR
Most developers struggle with deployment, which is why platforms like Vercel are popular. However, they’re not ideal for backend-heavy apps. While Fly.io and Render offer alternatives, shared hosting and VPS can be cost-effective solutions with built-in features like file storage, mail servers, cron jobs, databases, and SSH access—all for as little as $40 per year(Namecheap stellar plus plan for example).
The downside? CI/CD setup on shared hosting is tricky. That’s why I built Deployeur, an open-source tool to simplify deployments.
Most developers excel at writing code, running tests, and building applications. But when it comes to deploying their final product, it often turns into a nightmare. This is where platforms like Vercel have gained massive popularity—they simplify the deployment process, making developers' lives significantly easier.
For developers in large-scale companies, this isn’t usually a problem. They typically have dedicated DevOps teams to handle CI/CD pipelines, domain configurations, security setups, and more. But for small teams or solo developers, the story is different. They need to focus on building their product, not wrestling with deployment complexities.
While Vercel is fantastic for frontend projects, it falls short for backend-heavy or monolithic applications. So, what’s the solution? Let’s explore some alternatives and why shared hosting or VPS might be the answer you’re looking for.
The Limitations of Popular Platforms
Platforms like Vercel, Render, and Fly.io have revolutionized deployment with their ease of use and free tiers. However, they come with limitations:
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Backend Support | Vercel’s cloud functions aren’t ideal for monolithic or backend-heavy apps. |
| Additional Costs | Many PaaS providers charge extra for features like databases, mail servers, or cron jobs. |
| Limited Control | You often sacrifice control over the server environment, which can be crucial for certain applications. |
Why Shared Hosting and VPS Deserve a Second Look
Shared hosting and Virtual Private Servers (VPS) might seem old-school, but they offer several advantages that modern PaaS providers often lack:
- File Storage: Built-in storage eliminates the need for external services like AWS S3 or Cloudflare R2.
- Mail Servers: Host your own email server without relying on third-party tools like Mailgun or Sendgrid.
- Cron Jobs: Easily set up and manage scheduled tasks.
- Databases: No need for separate subscriptions—most shared hosting plans include database support.
- SSH Access: Full control over your server environment.
And the best part? You can get all of this for as little as $40 a year. For example, Namecheap offers stellar plans with unlimited disk space, unlimited emails, and more.
Many hosting providers offer support for a wide range of programming languages. The screenshot below highlights some of the languages supported by Namecheap on shared hosting:
The Catch: Setting Up CI/CD on Shared Hosting
The biggest challenge with shared hosting or VPS is setting up an effective CI/CD pipeline. Everyone has their own approach, but it often involves a lot of manual work and configuration.
To simplify this process, I’ve built an open-source tool called Deployeur. It’s designed to make deploying apps on shared hosting as seamless as possible. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a small team, Deployeur can save you time and effort.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned! In the coming days, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on deploying a typical Laravel application from scratch using Deployeur. Whether you’re new to deployment or looking for a better solution, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Join the Movement
Deployeur is still in beta, and contributions are more than welcome. If you’re passionate about simplifying deployment for developers, check out the GitHub repository and get involved.
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