How to connect GitHub with deployment tools like Vercel?

 

Step 1: Create and Prepare Your GitHub Repository

 

First, sign up for a free GitHub account if you don’t have one already by visiting https://github.com/join. Then create a new repository.

• Click the “+” icon in the top-right corner and select “New repository.”
• Enter a repository name (e.g., my-vercel-app).
• Choose “Public” or “Private” depending on your needs.
• Optionally add a README, .gitignore, or license file.
• Click “Create repository.”

After creation, clone it locally:

git clone https://github.com/YOUR\_USERNAME/my-vercel-app.git
cd my-vercel-app

 

Step 2: Add Your Project Code and Commit Changes

 

Inside the cloned directory, add your application files. For example, a simple Next.js app:

// Install Next.js (run once)
npx create-next-app@latest .

// Or manually add your files:
// pages/index.js, package.json, etc.

Once your code is in place, commit and push:

git add .
git commit -m "Initial project setup"
git push origin main

 

Step 3: Sign Up for a Vercel Account

 

Head to https://vercel.com/signup and sign up using your GitHub account for seamless integration.

• Click “Continue with GitHub.”
• Authorize Vercel to access your GitHub repositories.
• Choose the account or organization where you want to deploy.

 

Step 4: Import Your GitHub Repository into Vercel

 

Once logged into Vercel:

• Click the “New Project” button on the Vercel dashboard.
• Select the GitHub tab.
• Find my-vercel-app in the list of repositories.
• Click “Import” next to your repository.

 

Step 5: Configure Build and Output Settings

 

On the import screen, Vercel auto-detects framework settings for Next.js, React, etc. Verify or adjust:

• Framework Preset: Ensure it matches your project (e.g., Next.js).
• Build Command: Defaults to npm run build or next build.
• Output Directory: For Next.js, leave blank (Vercel uses its default).
• Root Directory: If your code lives in a subfolder, specify it here.

Click “Deploy” when ready.

 

Step 6: Set Environment Variables (If Needed)

 

If your app requires secrets (API keys, database URLs), add them now:

• In the project dashboard, go to “Settings” → “Environment Variables.”
• Click “Add” and enter the Name (e.g., NEXT_PUBLIC_API\_URL).
• Enter the corresponding Value.
• Select the environments: Production, Preview, or Development.
• Click “Save.”

 

Step 7: Trigger Your First Deployment

 

After clicking “Deploy” in Step 5, Vercel will:

• Clone your GitHub repo.
• Install dependencies (npm install).
• Run the build command.
• Deploy to a global CDN.

You can monitor build logs in real time on the Vercel dashboard.

 

Step 8: Review Your Deployment and Production URL

 

Once deployment completes:

• You get a unique production URL (e.g., https://my-vercel-app.vercel.app).
• Click it to verify your site is live.
• Check Vercel’s analytics, logs, and domain settings under “Deployments.”

 

Step 9: Enable Automatic Deployments on GitHub Push

 

Every push to the main branch (or your configured branch) now triggers a new deployment:

git checkout -b feature/cool-update
// implement features
git add .
git commit -m "Add cool feature"
git push origin feature/cool-update

Vercel creates a preview deployment for pull requests and merges to main automatically go live.

 

Step 10: Add a Custom Domain (Optional)

 

To map your own domain:

• In Vercel dashboard, click “Domains” → “Add.”
• Enter your custom domain (e.g., www.example.com).
• Follow DNS configuration steps (CNAME/A records) provided by Vercel.
• Wait for DNS propagation; Vercel will automatically provision SSL.

 

Step 11: Monitor, Logs, and Rollbacks

 

• Use the “Deployments” tab to view build logs and runtime logs.
• Click any deployment to see details, errors, and environment info.
• To rollback, select a previous deployment and click “Redeploy.”

 

Conclusion

 

You have now connected GitHub to Vercel, enabling automatic deployments, preview URLs for branches, and easy management of environment variables and domains. Enjoy continuous deployment for your projects!