Creating a public website using GitHub Pages is a straightforward process. GitHub Pages allows you to host static websites directly from your GitHub repository. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up a public website using GitHub Pages:
- Create a GitHub account: If you don’t have a GitHub account, sign up for one at GitHub.
- Create a new repository:
- Click on the “+” sign in the upper right corner of the GitHub homepage.
- Select “New repository.”
- Name your repository with the following convention: yourusername.github.io. For example, if your username is Docker, name the repository docker.github.io.
- Initialize your repository: You can choose to add a README file and a .gitignore file during the repository creation process. For a basic website, a README file is not necessary.
- Create an HTML file:
- Inside your repository, create an HTML file (e.g., index.html). This will be the main file for your website.
- You can also create additional files, such as CSS and JavaScript files, to enhance your website.
- Commit your changes:
- Add your HTML, CSS, and other files to the repository.
- Commit the changes.
- Enable GitHub Pages:
- Go to the main page of your repository on GitHub.
- Click on the “Settings” tab.
- Scroll down to the “GitHub Pages” section.
- Under “Source,” select the branch where your main HTML file is located (usually the master branch).
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Access your website:
- GitHub Pages will provide you with a link to your hosted website. It will typically be in the format: https://yourusername.github.io.
- Wait for the site to build:
- It may take a few minutes for GitHub Pages to build and publish your website. Once it’s done, you can access your website using the provided link.
- Custom domain (optional):
- If you have a custom domain, you can configure it in the “Custom domain” section of the GitHub Pages settings.
That’s it! Your website should now be live on GitHub Pages. Any changes you make to the repository will automatically be reflected on your public website.
Related: Create a website in minutes
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a web-based platform that provides a centralized hub for collaborative software development projects. It uses the Git version control system, allowing multiple contributors to work on code simultaneously while keeping track of changes and managing different branches. GitHub facilitates storing, sharing, and managing source code, making it easier for teams to collaborate, track issues, and coordinate efforts in developing and maintaining software projects. This platform offers numerous features, such as pull requests, issue tracking, and wikis, which enhance communication and collaboration among developers. GitHub has become an essential tool in the software development ecosystem, encouraging open-source contributions and enabling efficient teamwork.