Deploying a React Application on Azure vs Nimbuz

Deploying a React application means making your app available on the internet so users can access it from a browser. There are many cloud platforms available for deployment. In this article, we compare deploying a React application on Azure Virtual Machine and the Nimbuz platform.

Both platforms allow you to host applications, but the process and complexity are different.

Deploy a React Application on Azure Virtual Machine

Azure provides full infrastructure control using Virtual Machines. You manually configure the server and deploy your application.

Below is a complete step by step guide.

Step 1: Create a Virtual Machine

1. Login to Azure Portal.
2. Click Create Resource.
3. Select Virtual Machine.
4. Choose the following settings:
   • OS: Ubuntu or Windows Server
   • Size: Basic (for testing)
   • Authentication: Password or SSH
5. Click Create.

After a few minutes, your VM will be ready.

Step 2: Connect to the Virtual Machine

Connect to the Virtual Machine using SSH:

ssh username@your-public-ip

Step 3: Install Node.js and Nginx

Update packages:

sudo apt update

Install Node.js:

sudo apt install nodejs
sudo apt install npm

Install Nginx:

sudo apt install nginx

Step 4: Upload Your React Application

You can upload the project using Git clone or File transfer.

Example:

git clone https://github.com/username/react-app.git
cd react-app

Step 5: Install Dependencies

Run:

npm install

Step 6: Build the React Application

Run:

npm run build

This will create a build folder.

Step 7: Configure Nginx

Edit the Nginx configuration:

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

Update the root path:

root /home/username/react-app/build;

Restart Nginx:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Step 8: Access the Application

Open your browser:

http://your-public-ip

Your React application is now live.

Deploy a React Application on Nimbuz Platform

Nimbuz is a platform that helps developers deploy applications quickly. It manages servers, builds, and deployment automatically, so you can launch your app without complex setup.

Sign up or log in to the Nimbuz platform 

Here’s a simple, step by step guide to get your app running on Nimbuz: 

Step 1: Go to Deployments

• Log in or sign up on Nimbuz platform .
• Navigate to the Deployments section.
• Choose your deployment type:
  • Connect Your Code Repository: GitHub or GitLab → Connect account → Pick repo and branch. [OR]
  • Upload Zip/Tar File: Just upload your code.
• Configure the app port and instance type.
• Let Nimbuz handle the deployment automatically.

Configure Environment Variables, Secrets, and Code as Config

If your React application depends on configuration values such as:

• API base URLs
• Third-party service keys
• Runtime configuration settings

You can securely configure them directly from the deployment configuration page before deployment.

Nimbuz supports:

• Environment Variables : Used for application configuration values.
• Secrets : Used for sensitive information such as password.
• Code as Config : Deployment settings are defined in a configuration file. When you deploy, the platform reads this file and automatically configures the application.

This approach keeps sensitive data secure and prevents it from being hardcoded into your source code.

Step 2: Review & Deploy

• Review the deployment details.
• Click Submit to deploy your application and make it live instantly.

Step 3: Monitor Your App

• View logs, status and recent releases directly in the UI.
• No SSH or terminal required.

Step 4: Access Your App

• Go to the Networking tab → Click Generate Domain.

• After clicking Generate Domain, the system generates a public endpoint.
• Your app is automatically served with HTTPS.
• Optionally, map a custom domain.

Hosting & Endpoint Setup Compared: Azure vs Nimbuz

When deploying a React application, both Azure Virtual Machines and Nimbuz Platform can host your application, but the setup process is different.

Azure Virtual Machine:

• Developers must configure hosting manually.

This includes:

• Creating a VM
• Installing Nginx or Node.js
• Uploading build files
• Configuring routing
• Setting up SSL certificates

Result: Flexible but time consuming setup.

In short: Azure provides full control but requires manual configuration.

Nimbuz Platform:

Nimbuz simplifies the entire hosting process.

When you deploy an application and click on generate domain:

• A public endpoint is generated automatically
• HTTPS is enabled automatically
• No server configuration is required

Result: Instant hosting with minimal effort.

In short: Nimbuz offers a simple and automated deployment experience for developers

Simplifying React Deployment: Azure VM vs Nimbuz Platform

Conclusion
Both Azure and Nimbuz are powerful platforms for deploying React applications.

Azure gives you complete control over infrastructure, but it requires manual setup and configuration.

Nimbuz is designed for simplified deployment and automation, eliminating the need for DevOps support. This empowers developers to launch applications quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of complex server management