/github-for-non-tech

How to publish a project using GitHub Pages?

Publish your project with GitHub Pages in simple steps: create a repo, clone locally, add files, commit & push changes, enable Pages, and set up a custom domain.

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How to publish a project using GitHub Pages?

 
Step 1: Create a GitHub repository
 

  • Open your browser and go to github.com. Log in to your account.
  • Click the New button (usually at the top-left of the page) to create a new repository.
  • Enter a Repository name, for example my-project. This will serve as the URL slug.
  • Optionally add a description, choose Public visibility, and initialize with a README if you like.
  • Click Create repository.

 
Step 2: Clone the repository locally
 

  • On your repository page, click the green Code button and copy the HTTPS URL.
  • Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer.
git clone https://github.com/your-username/my-project.git
cd my-project

 
Step 3: Add your project files
 

  • Create an index.html file (or a docs folder containing index.html). This will be the entry point of your site.
  • Open index.html in your code editor and add your HTML content. For example:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>My Project</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Hello, GitHub Pages!</h1>
  <p>This is my awesome project.</p>
</body>
</html>

 
Step 4: Commit and push your changes
 

  • Stage your changes, commit them, and push to GitHub:
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit of GitHub Pages site"
git push origin main
  • Replace main with master if your default branch is named differently.

 
Step 5: Enable GitHub Pages in repository settings
 

  • On your repository page, click the Settings tab.
  • Scroll down to the Pages section in the sidebar (under “Code and automation”).
  • Under Source, select the branch you pushed to (e.g., main) and choose / (root) or /docs folder if you placed files there.
  • Click Save.
  • GitHub will show a confirmation and the URL where your site is published, typically:
https://your-username.github.io/my-project/

 
Step 6: Verify your live site
 

  • Wait a few moments for GitHub to build and deploy your site.
  • Visit the provided URL in your browser to see your project live.

 
Step 7: Update and maintain your site
 

  • To make changes, update files locally, commit, and push again:
git add .
git commit -m "Update content"
git push origin main
  • GitHub Pages will automatically rebuild and publish your site with each push.

 
Bonus: Using a custom domain
 

  • In the Pages settings, under Custom domain, enter your domain name (e.g., www.example.com).
  • Follow the instructions to add the required CNAME or A records to your DNS provider.
  • Push a CNAME file to the root of your repository containing your domain name:
echo "www.example.com" > CNAME
git add CNAME
git commit -m "Add custom domain"
git push origin main
  • Your site will be available at your custom domain once DNS propagates.

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