How to Deploy a Full-Stack Web App on Vercel in Minutes

How to Deploy a Full-Stack Web App on Vercel in Minutes

Vercel is a fast, reliable, and developer-friendly cloud platform designed for modern web applications. It allows seamless deployment of both front-end and back-end logic, making it ideal for full-stack applications.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of deploying a full-stack web app on Vercel, covering frontend hosting, backend API setup, and database integration.

1. Why Choose Vercel?

Vercel is optimized for modern JavaScript frameworks and provides built-in serverless functions. Key benefits include:

• Instant Deployments → Deploy sites with one command or via Git integration.
• Serverless Functions → No need for separate backend hosting.
• Global Edge Network → Your app loads quickly from anywhere.
• Auto Scaling → Automatically adjusts resources based on traffic.
• Free SSL & Custom Domains → Secure HTTPS and easy domain management.

Vercel supports Next.js, React, Vue, Svelte, and static sites while allowing full-stack development without managing servers.

2. Prerequisites

Before deploying, ensure you have:

✅ A GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket account (for version control). ✅ A front-end framework or static website (Next.js, React, Vue, Svelte). ✅ Node.js installed (download from nodejs.org). ✅ A Vercel account (sign up at vercel.com).

If you don’t have a project yet, you can select a template or create a simple Next.js app with:

npx create-next-app@latest my-app
cd my-app
npm install

3. Deploying a Full-Stack App on Vercel

Step 1: Log in and Create a New Project

1. Go to Vercel and log in.
2. Click “New Project”.
3. Connect your GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket repository.
4. Select the repository you want to deploy.

Step 2: Configure Build Settings

1. If using Next.js, Vercel automatically detects settings.
2. For other frameworks, set the correct build command, . Check the docs
3. Define the Output Directory, typically dist or public.
4. Click “Deploy” and wait for Vercel to build and publish your app.

Once deployed, your app will be live at:

https://yourproject.vercel.app

4. Setting Up Serverless Functions

Vercel supports API routes as serverless functions, allowing full-stack applications without separate backend hosting.

Creating an API Route in Next.js

If using Next.js, create an API route in pages/api/hello.js:

export default function handler(req, res) {
res.status(200).json({ message: "Hello from Vercel API!" });
}

This creates an endpoint at:

https://yourproject.vercel.app/api/hello

Setting Up an Express.js Backend on Vercel

To deploy an Express.js API, create a server.js file:

const express = require("express");
const app = express();

app.get("/api/message", (req, res) => {
res.json({ message: "Hello from Express on Vercel!" });
});

module.exports = app;

In vercel.json, define the function:

{
"builds": [{ "src": "server.js", "use": "@vercel/node" }],
"routes": [{ "src": "/api/(.*)", "dest": "/server.js" }]
}

Now, deploying to Vercel will include your backend logic.

5. Connecting a Database (MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or Firebase)

Vercel does not provide a built-in database, but you can connect external databases like:

• MongoDB Atlas
• PostgreSQL (Supabase, Neon, PlanetScale)
• Firebase Firestore

Example: Connecting MongoDB to Vercel

1. Create a MongoDB Atlas database at MongoDB Atlas.
2. Add your MongoDB URI to Vercel’s environment variables (VERCEL_ENV).
3. Use mongoose in your API route:

import mongoose from "mongoose";

const MONGO_URI = process.env.MONGO_URI;
mongoose.connect(MONGO_URI, { useNewUrlParser: true, useUnifiedTopology: true });

export default async function handler(req, res) {
res.json({ message: "Connected to MongoDB!" });
}

Now, your Vercel API can communicate with MongoDB.

6. Custom Domains and SSL

Vercel offers free HTTPS and custom domains:

1. Go to Vercel Dashboard → Your Project → Settings.
2. Click “Add Domain” and enter your custom domain (e.g., mywebsite.com).
3. If using Cloudflare or an external DNS provider, update your CNAME record to point to Vercel’s servers.

Your custom domain will now be linked with free SSL encryption.

7. Automating Deployments with Git

Vercel automatically deploys changes when you push updates to GitHub.

Best Practices for Git Deployments

• Commit and push updates to the main branch for auto-deployment.
• Use branches (staging, dev) for preview deployments.
• Enable PR previews to test changes before merging.

Every time you push to GitHub, Vercel rebuilds and redeploys your app.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

A. Deployment Failed?

• Check Vercel Logs in the “Deployments” section.
• Ensure build commands and dependencies are correctly installed.

B. API Routes Not Working?

• Confirm API routes are defined in vercel.json.
• If using Express.js, ensure all required packages are in package.json.

C. Database Connection Issues?

• Make sure environment variables are set up in Vercel → Project → Settings → Environment Variables.
• Test database connection locally before deploying.

9. Why Choose Vercel Over Other Platforms?

Vercel is the best choice for Next.js full-stack apps, but Firebase Hosting is better for Firestore-based applications.

Conclusion

Vercel makes it effortless to deploy full-stack applications with built-in serverless functions, automatic scaling, and Git integration. Whether you’re launching a React, Next.js, Vue, or Express.js app, Vercel provides a powerful and free hosting solution.

Key Takeaways

✔ Deploy front-end and backend with a single platform. ✔ Use serverless functions for API endpoints. ✔ Easily connect databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL. ✔ Automate deployments with GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.

Try deploying your full-stack app now at vercel.com.

Disclaimer

Article written with the help of AI.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any mentioned company. References are for discussion, not promotion. Some information may be inaccurate, readers should verify independently before making decisions.