Blue Green Deployment for Node.js Without Kubernetes

The detailed account explores the implementation of a blue-green deployment strategy for a Node.js application running behind Nginx on a single Linux VPS. This approach aims to facilitate testing with production data and achieve zero downtime during deployments. The process involves setting up a custom CI/CD-driven pipeline without the aid of cloud providers or Kubernetes, requiring automation of various tasks such as code deployment, application start/stop, and dynamic Nginx configuration. The strategy is enhanced by using Semaphore to create workflows that trigger deployments based on branch pushes, with manual promotions to production and rollback options integrated into the UI. This automation not only reduces human error and mental overhead but also increases deployment frequency and confidence, while offering opportunities to test on production data. The implementation of this strategy also provided valuable insights into CI/CD integration, Nginx configuration, and Linux permissions.