---
title: "Deploy HTMX Express EJS Postgres"
description: "HTMX Express EJS Node.js PostgreSQL - classic MVC, partial swaps."
category: "Starters"
url: https://railway.com/deploy/htmx-express-ejs-postgres
---

# Deploy HTMX Express EJS Postgres

HTMX Express EJS Node.js PostgreSQL - classic MVC, partial swaps.

**[Deploy HTMX Express EJS Postgres on Railway](https://railway.com/template/htmx-express-ejs-postgres)**

- **Creator:** André Ahlert
- **Category:** Starters

## Template content

### Postgres https://devicons.railway.app/i/postgresql.svg

- **Image:** ghcr.io/railwayapp-templates/postgres-ssl:18

### web https://raw.githubusercontent.com/atoolz/railway-htmx-node-express-ejs-pg/master/assets/icon.svg

- **Source:** https://github.com/atoolz/railway-htmx-node-express-ejs-pg
- **Health check:** /health
- **Public domain:** Yes

## Documentation

# Deploy and Host HTMX Express EJS Postgres on Railway

HTMX Express EJS Postgres is a **Node** starter for hypermedia UIs: **HTMX** updates the DOM from HTML responses, **Express** handles routing and middleware, **EJS** renders views with familiar JavaScript syntax, and **PostgreSQL** stores data. The template ships a working Todo app so you can deploy and iterate on server-driven partials immediately—no client framework or build pipeline for the UI.

## About Hosting HTMX Express EJS Postgres

The app runs as a **Node.js** service built with a **multi-stage Dockerfile** (Alpine-based). It uses the **`pg`** pool, **`DATABASE_URL`** from the environment, and **`PORT`** from Railway. **Schema setup runs on boot** so you are not running migrations by hand. Static assets are minimal: **HTMX** and **Tailwind** from CDN. Postgres is reached on the **private network**; public access is only what you expose on the web service. Configure Railway’s **health check** to **`/health`**, which executes a lightweight query and returns **200** or **503**. This stack is ideal when you want the **largest Node ecosystem** and straightforward templates while keeping the UX dynamic via HTMX.

## Common Use Cases

- **MVC-style** dashboards and forms with partial reloads instead of a SPA.
- Teams already on **Express** who want **HTMX** for incremental UX improvements.
- Teaching **server-rendered + HTMX** patterns with a minimal, readable codebase.

## Dependencies for HTMX Express EJS Postgres Hosting

- **Railway PostgreSQL** attached to the same project.
- **`DATABASE_URL`** on the Node service (e.g. `${{Postgres.DATABASE_URL}}`).

### Deployment Dependencies

- [HTMX documentation](https://htmx.org/docs/)
- [Express](https://expressjs.com/)
- [EJS](https://ejs.co/)
- [node-postgres (pg)](https://node-postgres.com/)

### Implementation Details

- Health: `GET /health` — JSON with DB check.
- Entry: Express app in `src/`; views under `views/`.

## Why Deploy HTMX Express EJS Postgres on Railway?


Railway is a singular platform to deploy your infrastructure stack. Railway will host your infrastructure so you don't have to deal with configuration, while allowing you to vertically and horizontally scale it.

By deploying HTMX Express EJS Postgres on Railway, you are one step closer to supporting a complete full-stack application with minimal burden. Host your servers, databases, AI agents, and more on Railway.


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