🚀 MERN Application Deployment on Kubernetes

This project demonstrates deploying a MERN (MongoDB, Express, React/Next.js, Node.js) application on a Kubernetes cluster using manifests.

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📦 Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following installed:

• Kubernetes cluster (Minikube / EKS / any)
• kubectl CLI
• Docker (for building images, if needed)
• Minikube (for local setup)

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⚙️ Environment Configuration

Before deployment, update the required environment variables:

🔹 Frontend

Set the API base URL:

NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://myapp.local

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🔹 Backend

Update the following:

MONGO_URI=<your-mongodb-atlas-uri>
PORT=5000

⚠️ Important: Update the MONGO_URI value inside backend_secret.yaml with your MongoDB Atlas connection string.

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🚀 Deployment Steps

1. Create Namespace

kubectl create namespace mern-docker-app

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2. Apply Kubernetes Manifests

cd mern_app_deployment/k8s_manifest
kubectl apply -f .

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3. Verify Resources

kubectl get all -n mern-docker-app

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🌐 Ingress Setup (Required)

Make sure an Ingress Controller is installed in your cluster.

✅ For Minikube:

minikube start
minikube addons enable ingress
kubectl get pods -n ingress-nginx

Ensure the ingress controller pod is in Running state.

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🌍 Local Domain Configuration

This project uses a custom domain for local access:

http://myapp.local

👉 Map domain in /etc/hosts

1. Get Minikube IP:

minikube ip

2. Add entry to /etc/hosts:

<MINIKUBE_IP> myapp.local

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🧪 Access the Application

Once everything is set up, access the app in your browser:

http://myapp.local

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🛠️ Troubleshooting

If the application is not working:

• Check all resources:

  kubectl get all -n mern-docker-app
  

• Inspect logs:

  kubectl logs <pod-name> -n mern-docker-app
  

• Verify Ingress configuration:

  • Ensure ingress.yaml is correctly configured
  • Confirm host (myapp.local) matches /etc/hosts
  • Check path rules and pathType

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📌 Notes

• The domain myapp.local is hardcoded for local development.
• For production deployments, use a proper domain with DNS configuration.
• Ensure secrets are not committed with real credentials in public repositories.