Server & Deployment
Handbook
A complete, hands-on reference for freshers, interns, junior & intermediate web developers joining the WEBONICTECH development team.
This handbook covers everything you need to confidently deploy and manage web applications on Linux servers. Bookmark this page and work through each part in order. Each section builds on the previous one.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this handbook you will be able to:
- Set up and configure a production Linux server from scratch
- Deploy Laravel, WordPress, Node.js, Next.js, React and CodeIgniter applications
- Configure Apache2 and Nginx virtual hosts and reverse proxies
- Manage MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB and Redis databases
- Issue and renew SSL/TLS certificates with Certbot
- Harden servers using UFW, Fail2ban and SSH best practices
- Diagnose common HTTP errors (400, 403, 404, 500, 502, 504…)
- Build and run CI/CD deployment scripts
- Use PM2 and Supervisor to manage background processes
- Pass a technical interview on server and DevOps topics
Handbook Parts
Foundation — Servers & Web Servers
Client–server architecture, Linux fundamentals, Apache2 and Nginx configuration in depth.
Stack Setup — Node.js, PHP & Databases
Deploy Node.js, Express, Next.js, React. Master PHP-FPM, Laravel, WordPress. Manage MySQL, MongoDB and Redis.
Security & Operations
SSL/TLS, Cloudflare, DNS, UFW, Fail2ban, SSH hardening, full troubleshooting guide and deployment scripts.
Advanced Topics & Career Growth
Real-world case studies, deployment checklists, glossary, learning roadmap, daily practice plan and interview Q&A.
Full Table of Contents
Technologies Covered
| Category | Technologies |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Debian 11/12 |
| Web Servers | Apache2, Nginx |
| Languages | PHP 8.2, Node.js 18/20, Bash |
| Frameworks | Laravel, CodeIgniter, Express.js, Next.js, React |
| CMS | WordPress (+ WP-CLI) |
| Databases | MySQL 8, MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis |
| Process Managers | PM2, Supervisor |
| SSL/TLS | Let's Encrypt, Certbot, Cloudflare |
| Security | UFW, Fail2ban, SSH key auth |
| Package Managers | apt, npm, yarn, Composer |
How to Use This Handbook
If you're completely new to Linux servers, start at Part 1, Section 1 and work linearly. If you have some experience, use the sidebar to jump directly to the section you need.
- Freshers & Interns: Read all 4 parts in order. Do every mini lab in Part 4.
- Junior Developers: Skim Part 1, focus deeply on Parts 2 & 3.
- Intermediate Developers: Use as a reference — bookmark specific sections.
- Before each deployment: Run through the relevant checklist in Part 4, Section 15.
- When debugging an issue: Go straight to Part 3, Section 11.
- Interview prep: Review Part 4, Appendix C.