What is Elasticsearch?

Elasticsearch is a distributed, open-source search and analytics engine built on Apache Lucene. It enables real-time indexing, searching, and analyzing of data, making it a popular choice for applications like:

• E-commerce site search
• Log and event data analysis
• Full-text search for web apps
• Business intelligence solutions

Prerequisites for Installing Elasticsearch 7 on cPanel

Before diving into the installation, ensure your server meets the following requirements:

• Root Access: cPanel installation requires root access to the server.
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Elasticsearch requires Java 8 or higher.
• Sufficient Resources: Allocate at least 2 GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores for Elasticsearch to function effectively.

Step 1: Verify Java Installation

Elasticsearch relies on Java to operate. Start by verifying if Java is already installed on your server:

java -version

If Java is not installed or the version is outdated, install the latest version of OpenJDK:

yum install java-11-openjdk-devel

Once installed, confirm the version again using the java -version command.

Step 2: Download Elasticsearch 7

Visit the official Elasticsearch download page and locate the RPM package for version 7. Alternatively, use the command line to download the package directly:

wget https://artifacts.elastic.co/downloads/elasticsearch/elasticsearch-7.x.rpm

Replace 7.x with the specific version you want to install (e.g., 7.17.12).

Step 3: Install Elasticsearch 7

Run the following command to install Elasticsearch using the downloaded RPM package:

rpm -ivh elasticsearch-7.x.rpm

After installation, Elasticsearch’s configuration files will be located in /etc/elasticsearch/.

Step 4: Configure Elasticsearch

Edit the elasticsearch.yml file to customize settings such as the cluster name, node name, and network settings:

nano /etc/elasticsearch/elasticsearch.yml

Key configurations to update:

• Cluster Name:
  cluster.name: my-cluster
• Node Name:
  node.name: node-1
• Network Binding: To make Elasticsearch accessible:
  network.host: 0.0.0.0

Step 5: Enable and Start Elasticsearch

Enable Elasticsearch to start on boot and start the service manually:

systemctl enable elasticsearch

systemctl start elasticsearch

Check the status of the service to ensure it is running correctly:

systemctl status elasticsearch

Step 6: Test Elasticsearch Installation

Verify the installation by sending a test HTTP request to Elasticsearch’s API:

curl -X GET "localhost:9200"

If everything is working, you’ll receive a JSON response with details about the Elasticsearch instance.

Step 7: Integrate Elasticsearch with cPanel

To use Elasticsearch within cPanel for features like email search or integration with third-party apps, you may need to configure specific plugins or extensions. For instance:

• Install cPanel Plugins: Some plugins allow integration with Elasticsearch for web applications.
• Update cPanel Configurations: Point your applications to use Elasticsearch’s REST API endpoint.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Service Fails to Start: Check the logs located at /var/log/elasticsearch/ for errors. Ensure Java is correctly installed and accessible.
• Port Conflict: Elasticsearch uses port 9200 by default. Ensure no other services are using this port.
• Insufficient Memory: Increase your server’s heap memory by editing /etc/elasticsearch/jvm.options.

Conclusion

Installing Elasticsearch 7 on cPanel can significantly enhance your server’s search and analytics capabilities. While the process involves several steps, following this guide ensures a smooth installation and integration. Whether you’re managing a web app, analyzing logs, or building an enterprise-grade search engine, Elasticsearch is a game-changer.

By optimizing your server for Elasticsearch, you’ll be equipped to handle complex search queries and deliver faster, more accurate results for your users.