Website Hosting With GitHub Pages

Hosting a Website Through GitHub Pages

This guide demonstrates how to host static websites for free using GitHub Pages, from repository creation to live deployment.

Getting Started

Step 1: Repository Setup

  1. Create a new repository in GitHub
  2. Clone it locally:
    git clone <repository-url>
cd <repository-name>
  3. Add your website files to the repository folder
  4. Commit and push using git commands:
    git add .
git commit -m "Add website files"
git push origin main

Step 2: Enable GitHub Pages

  1. Navigate to your repository on GitHub
  2. Go to Settings tab
  3. Click Pages in the sidebar to open GitHub Pages settings
  4. Under ‘Source’ in the Build and deployment section:
    • Select “Deploy from a branch”
  5. Under ‘Branch’ section:
    • Select “main” branch
    • Select "/ (root)" folder
    • Click “Save”

Optional: Custom Domain Configuration

Step 3: Setting Up Custom Domain

  1. Under ‘Custom Domain’ enter your domain name (e.g., pratheba.com)
  2. Click ‘Save’ - This may initially fail and prompt DNS verification

Step 4: DNS Configuration

Visit GitHub’s documentation:

Step 5: DNS Provider Settings

At your DNS provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.):

  1. Add A records pointing to GitHub Pages IP addresses:

    • 185.199.108.153
    • 185.199.109.153
    • 185.199.110.153
    • 185.199.111.153

  2. Add CNAME record (for www subdomain):

    • Name: www
    • Value: <username>.github.io

  3. Set TTL to 600 seconds (minimum recommended)

  4. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours, usually faster)

Verification and Testing

Step 6: Verify DNS Configuration

Check connectivity and IP address:

ping pratheba.com

Verify DNS resolution and records:

# Check DNS resolution
dig pratheba.com

# Check specific record types
dig pratheba.com A
dig www.pratheba.com CNAME

Step 7: Access Your Website

  1. Use the GitHub Pages URL initially: https://<username>.github.io/<repository>
  2. After DNS propagation, access via your custom domain: https://pratheba.com
  3. Enable HTTPS in GitHub Pages settings for security

DNS Configuration Example

Troubleshooting Tips

  • DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate
  • Use nslookup or online DNS checkers to verify propagation
  • Ensure your repository is public for GitHub Pages to work
  • Check that your index.html file is in the root directory