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Deploying RSS Monster

Introduction

RSS Monster is a modern, self-hosted RSS feed reader that combines a clean user interface with powerful features for managing and reading news feeds. Built with Vue.js and Node.js, RSS Monster provides an efficient way to aggregate content from multiple sources.

Key features of RSS Monster include:

  • Modern Interface: Clean, responsive design for comfortable reading
  • Feed Aggregation: Subscribe to multiple RSS and Atom feeds
  • Full-Text Fetching: Retrieve complete article content
  • Categorization: Organize feeds into folders and categories
  • Search: Find articles across all subscribed feeds
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate quickly with keyboard controls
  • Read/Unread Tracking: Keep track of what you’ve read
  • Favorites: Save articles for later reading
  • Mobile Friendly: Responsive design works on all devices
  • OPML Import/Export: Migrate feeds from other readers

This guide walks through deploying RSS Monster on Klutch.sh using Docker, configuring the database, and setting up your personal news reader.

Prerequisites

Before deploying RSS Monster on Klutch.sh, ensure you have:

  • A Klutch.sh account
  • A GitHub account with a repository for your RSS Monster configuration
  • A MySQL or MariaDB database
  • Basic familiarity with Docker and Node.js applications

Deploying RSS Monster on Klutch.sh

    Create Your Dockerfile

    Create a Dockerfile in your repository:

    FROM node:18-alpine
    

    # Install dependencies
    RUN apk add --no-cache git
    

    WORKDIR /app
    

    # Clone RSS Monster
    RUN git clone https://github.com/nicholaswile/RSS-Monster.git .
    

    # Install dependencies
    RUN npm install
    

    # Build the application
    RUN npm run build
    

    # Environment configuration
    ENV NODE_ENV=production
    ENV PORT=3000
    

    EXPOSE 3000
    

    CMD ["npm", "start"]

    Push Your Repository to GitHub

    Commit and push your Dockerfile to your GitHub repository.

    Create a New Project on Klutch.sh

    Navigate to the Klutch.sh dashboard and create a new project named “rss-monster”.

    Create a New App

    Create a new app within your project and connect your GitHub repository.

    Configure HTTP Traffic

    In the deployment settings:

    • Select HTTP as the traffic type
    • Set the internal port to 3000

    Set Environment Variables

    Configure the following environment variables:

    VariableValue
    NODE_ENVproduction
    PORT3000
    DATABASE_HOSTYour database host
    DATABASE_NAMErssmonster
    DATABASE_USERYour database username
    DATABASE_PASSWORDYour database password

    Attach Persistent Volumes

    Add persistent storage:

    Mount PathRecommended SizePurpose
    /app/data5 GBApplication data and cache

    Deploy Your Application

    Click Deploy to build and start your RSS Monster instance.

    Access RSS Monster

    Once deployment completes, access your RSS Monster instance at https://your-app-name.klutch.sh.

Getting Started with Feeds

Adding Your First Feed

  1. Log in to your RSS Monster instance
  2. Click “Add Feed” or the plus icon
  3. Enter the RSS/Atom feed URL
  4. Optionally assign to a category
  5. The feed will begin syncing automatically

Importing from Other Readers

If migrating from another RSS reader:

  1. Export your feeds as OPML from your current reader
  2. Use the import feature in RSS Monster
  3. Upload your OPML file
  4. All feeds and categories will be imported

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Deploying RSS Monster on Klutch.sh provides a modern, self-hosted RSS reader with automatic builds, persistent storage, and secure HTTPS access. Aggregate your favorite news sources and stay informed with a clean, efficient reading experience.