(this is subject to change, depending on how heroku.com enforces their policies of usage, so if you are reading this in the future, be aware of that)

Example on running a DLUX.io node

My intention is not to drill down through how to run a DLUX node but instead to explain what apps will fit the format of running for FREE at heroku.com. There are probably other things I haven't yet found that could be worthwhile using on the FREE format... if you are a user that knows about them, let me know in the comments below.

In this example, I am running a DLUX node with the @atexoras.pub account. For more about it, come along to the Pub and let us know any queries or feedback.

How much does it cost?

If you are not interested in running on a FREE model or you wish to make use of the extra functionalities that you get access to when you pay, then things start at 7$/dyno/month to run a hobby type container (dynos) and it goes up to dedicated and more beefy stuff for 500$/dyno/month.

I am going to focus on the free type which has limited features but allows you to run stuff continuously with a few tricks at hand.

What do you get in the `free` type?

As shown above, 512MB of RAM, 1 vCPU shared and it can span across (up to) 4 compute nodes (not sure if you have control on saying if they can reside on the same one or different ones).

You also get with the "Unverified" account (before you add a credit card to it), 550 free dyno hours (approximately 23 days). Although if you need your app to continuously run and there is not much interaction with it (for 30 minutes), your app will be terminated (put to sleep) until you try to contact the app url again.

If you don't have the requirement of constantly running the app, then you don't need to worry about this and you can simply use the free dyno as they provide (assuming you don't use more than 550 hours per month).

The tricks! 😉

Ideally, you want to explore an app environment that is constantly running (doesn't sleep), therefore you need to run it 24/7... hence 550 hours is not enough. And, the ways they provide for you to get to that level is by basically upgrading and paying at least the 7$/dyno/month. Which are peanuts, but the point here is to run for FREE.

1. Add a credit card (entitles you +450 hours)

If you add a valid credit card, a small (0.36 USD) transaction will be charged and credited to verify your card. And then you get an additional 450 hours/month from the Verified status. If you don't want to jeopardize your real card, and you have access to create virtual cards, just create one with 1 USD dollar in it for this transaction, and there you go.

With a total of 1000 hours/month (around 41 days) you can now run continuously the app every month. You even get some free time to run concurrently a second app instance of it if you wish.

You can check on the Billing section how many hours you have left (or use the command heroku ps command from CLI you deployed the app from).

2. Routinely query the app!

Then the last part is to create a little script or set up a monitor (if you don't want to depend on your PC, you can use other online tools that create requests, such as https://www.integromat.com) that every less than 30 minutes, queries or interacts with the app (generating some traffic). This will maintain the app alive constantly.

DONE 😎

Documentation-wise, it's super easy and complete. Start here if you never used heroku before. As long your app fits on the 512MB footprint you can use this.

They will probably change this one day or find ways to make it harder... for now, at the time of writing this post, it works.

🖐️HIVE5's!

Have fun, good luck on all the gaming, and lots of teaching "how to play" to new players.

🤝 Twitter - @forkyishere 😈 (@forykw dark side)

For #news about the #HIVE blockchain, and other stuff. I am following all users!

In addition, if you are looking for a nice place to either reach out, share or just have a great time, come along to @atexoras.pub gatherings. We welcome everyone on the HIVE blockchain.