How to make a free deploy of your project?
Imagine having your project online, available for anyone to view and explore, all at no cost. This is possible without the need for complex configurations, just HTML, CSS, and a free platform. However, it is essential to keep in mind certain limitations. These free services will not allow you to have a backend or support massive traffic. So, if your intention is to experiment and show small projects to the world, you are in the right place.
What are the options available for free hosting?
There are multiple services you can use to host your web projects for free. The most popular ones are:
- Vercel: Ideal if you're familiar with Git and GitHub, but not necessary if you just want to get your project online quickly.
- GitHub Pages: Excellent option if you have knowledge in Git. It allows you to host your projects directly from your GitHub profile.
- Netlify: Our recommendation if you prefer to avoid technical complications regarding Git management. It allows a simple and fast deployment.
How do I deploy a site manually in Netlify?
To perform a smooth deployment in Netlify with Git, follow these steps:
- Sign up for Netlify: Go to the official Netlify site and create an account. You can sign up using your GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or just your email address.
- Add a new site: Once inside, select the "Add New Site" option and choose "Deploy Manually".
- Drag and drop the files: Take your project folder and drag it to the designated area in Netlify. Make sure it includes all the necessary files such as
index.html
, CSS and images.
- Wait for the site to upload: After dropping the files, Netlify will begin the upload process. Once completed, you will be provided with a temporary link where your website will be hosted.
How to customize the domain in Netlify?
After uploading your project, you will have a link provided by Netlify that will contain a somewhat complicated subdomain. Here's how to improve it:
- Modify the site name: Within the domain settings, navigate to "Domain Settings" and go to "Edit Site Name".
- Choose a unique name: Enter a memorable name for your site and make sure it is not already in use. Once saved, your address will be nicer and easier to share, for example,
portfolio-flatsheet.netlify.app.
Although the domain will still end in netlify.app
, the subdomain will be more customizable to your needs. If you want a fully customized domain, this will require acquiring a registered domain, a process you will explore later.
Final Tips
These services are ideal for showcasing your initiatives, practices and experiments. Sharing your site is as easy as copying the generated link and distributing it as you wish. Once shared, anyone, from anywhere on the planet, will be able to access and observe what you have dedicated your efforts to. While starting with Netlify is a great place to start, remember that you can always explore other deployment options for more advanced projects or as your skills and needs grow.
Take heart! The first step for any web developer is to show the world what you can do, and now you're just a click away from doing just that.
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