Why PM2 is Preferred Over `systemctl` for Node.js Applications

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People often choose PM2 over systemctl for running Node.js applications and other services mainly due to the specific features and ease of use that PM2 offers. Here are some reasons why PM2 might be preferred:

  1. Built for JavaScript and Node.js: PM2 is specifically designed to work with Node.js applications. While systemctl is a more generic service manager in Linux, PM2 offers features that are particularly useful for Node.js environments.

  2. Process Management Features: PM2 provides features like process monitoring and management, automatic restarts on failure, and load balancing that are more easily accessible and configurable compared to systemctl. It handles application scaling with multiple instances without manual configuration.

  3. Ease of Setup: PM2 is simpler to configure for Node.js applications, especially for developers who may not be familiar with system service management using systemctl. Starting and managing applications do not require creating service unit files, which can streamline development and deployment.

  4. Cluster Mode: PM2 supports running Node.js applications in cluster mode, distributing the load among multiple instances to take advantage of multi-core systems. This feature helps improve the performance and reliability of applications.

  5. Automated Restarts: PM2 can automatically restart an application if it crashes or stops, providing a basic level of fault tolerance. This is handled seamlessly without additional configuration, while systemctl can also handle restarts but may require more setup.

  6. Log Management: PM2 manages logs easily with built-in features for log rotation and monitoring, which is handy for developers to track application output and errors without setting up external log managers.

  7. Monitoring and Alerts: PM2 has integrated monitoring tools that provide insights into the performance of applications. This can include memory usage, CPU utilization, and more, making it easier to diagnose issues.

  8. Cross-Platform Compatibility: PM2 works across various operating systems, not just Linux, which is helpful if the same application stack is deployed in mixed OS environments.

  9. Developer-Friendly: With features aimed specifically at developers, including a simple command-line interface (CLI) and a web-based dashboard (PM2 Plus), it makes managing processes more intuitive for those familiar with JavaScript and web development.

While PM2 offers these advantages tailored to Node.js environments, systemctl is a robust, system-wide service manager that is highly suitable for more general-purpose service management within Linux-based distributions. Ultimately, the choice between PM2 and systemctl can depend on specific project requirements, team familiarity, and the level of integration needed with the larger system environment.