# cPanel Deployment Checklist

1. Create a subdomain such as `app.example.com`.
2. Set its document root to this project's `public` directory.
3. In **MySQL Databases**, create a database and user, then grant ALL PRIVILEGES.
4. Set PHP version to 8.1+ and enable `pdo_mysql`, `mbstring`, `json`, `openssl`, `fileinfo`.
5. Upload project files.
6. Temporarily make the `config` directory writable if your host requires it for the installer.
7. Visit `/setup.php` and complete installation.
8. Restore normal config permissions and remove `setup.php`.
9. Turn on AutoSSL/HTTPS.
10. Create automated daily MySQL backups.
11. For production mail, configure an SMTP provider and add mail functions for invitations/password reset.
12. For paid SaaS, connect your payment provider webhook to the `subscriptions` table.