If you have a domain name and want to use OpenShift for hosting then using a wildcard domain name is a bit tricky with some domain registrars like GoDaddy. The reason is IP address of the app on OpenShift doesn’t remain the same and to use the wildcard domain a DNS A record is setup with the IP address of the hosting server. So, how do we make sure the following is true:
- user enters mysitename.com > user sees www.mysitename.com
- user enters mysitename.com/about.html > user sees www.mysitename.com/about.html
That is, the www prefix is always displayed anywhere on the site.
But due to the non-static IP of the OpenShift app, it is not possible to adjust the A record. But you can set up a CNAME with the following:
www > appname-username.rhcloud.com
where the format for the OpenShift app is
http://appname-username.rhcloud.com.
This means the site is accessible at www.mysitename.com but not at mysitename.com. To make it work you need to do the following.
On domain registrar like GoDaddy
– Create a new Record with
Record Type CNAME
HOST: www
POINT TO: appname-username.rhcloud.com
- Setup Forwarding
Forward to: www.mysitename.com
Redirect: 301 (Permanent)
Type: Forward only
On Openshift
1. Select Application tab > select application appname-username.rhcloud.com > click change
2. Enter the Domain name www.mysitename.com
That’s it! Wait for 10-15 min and see the magic.
