How to Fix Node.js ‘Cannot GET URL’ Error Quickly

This guide will illustrate how to resolve the Node.js error: “Cannot GET” URL.

First, let’s understand the reason behind this error.

When you create a Node.js application in cPanel, Phusion Passenger uses the value specified in the “Application URL” text box to define the root path of the application.

For example:

• If the “Application URL” is set to myapp, the root path of the application is not / but /myapp.

As a result, accessing a URL like “http://yourdomain.com/” may result in the “Cannot GET” error.

How to Resolve the Error?
To fix this issue, you need to include the Application URL in your route definitions. Below is an example of how to appropriately configure your routes using the popular Express framework.

Example Code:
Let’s assume the “Application URL” in cPanel is set to myapp:

const express = require(‘express’);
const app = express();

// Define the root route with the application URL
app.get(‘/myapp/’, function (req, res) {
    res.send(‘Hello from the root application URL’);
});

// Define additional routes
app.get(‘/myapp/test/’, function (req, res) {
    res.send(‘Hello from the “test” URL’);
});

// Start the application
app.listen(0, () => console.log(‘Application is running’));

What Does the Code Do?

1. Route /myapp/: This route handles requests to the root URL of the application.
2. Route /myapp/test/: This route handles requests to /myapp/test/.

For example:

• Accessing http://yourdomain.com/myapp/ will display: Hello from the root application URL.
• Accessing http://yourdomain.com/myapp/test/ will display: Hello from the “test” URL.

Without defining these routes openly, you will encounter the “Cannot GET” error.

Key Points to Remember:

• Always include the “Application URL” specified in cPanel in your route definitions.
• Restart your Node.js application after making changes to the code.
• Use proper logging to troubleshoot further if needed.

In this manner, you can resolve the Node.js error: “Cannot GET” URL. Hope you liked our article. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact our support staff.

Read More: How To Debug Node.js Applications