A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Free Website with GitHub Pages

11.11.23


This is a short description of the blog post.


In the digital age, having a personal website can be a powerful tool for showcasing your work, expressing your thoughts, or building an online portfolio. GitHub Pages offers a cost-effective way to establish your online presence. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own website for free.


Getting Started with GitHub Pages


Step 1: Create a GitHub Account

If you don't have a GitHub account, sign up for one at github.com. It's a straightforward process that requires a username, email, and password.


Step 2: Create a New Repository

  • Log in to GitHub and click on the "+" sign in the top right corner.
  • Choose "New repository" from the dropdown menu.
  • Name your repository <username>.github.io to follow GitHub Pages conventions.

Step 3: Add Content to Your Repository

Start adding content to your repository. You can create new files directly on GitHub or use Git commands to push existing files. GitHub Pages supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for building your website.


Step 4: Publish Your Website

  • After adding content and selecting a theme, go to repository settings.
  • Scroll down to "GitHub Pages" and choose the main branch.
  • GitHub will provide a link to your live website, typically in the format <username>.github.io.

Step 5: Download and Use Visual Studio Code to Update Your Website


Download Visual Studio Code

  1. Visit the Visual Studio Code website: Go to code.visualstudio.com.
  2. Download the installer: Click on "Download for Windows" (or your OS). Follow installation instructions.
  3. Install Visual Studio Code: Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

Setting Up Visual Studio Code for Your GitHub Pages Repository

  1. Open Visual Studio Code: Launch it after installation.
  2. Install the GitHub extension: Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X), search "GitHub," and install the extension.
  3. Clone your GitHub Pages repository: Use Ctrl+Shift+P, type "Git: Clone," and enter your repository URL.
  4. Open your repository in Visual Studio Code: Navigate to File > Open Folder and select your cloned repository.

Making Updates to Your Website

  1. Edit files: Use Visual Studio Code to edit HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
  2. Save changes: Press Ctrl+S (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+S (Mac).
  3. Commit and push changes: Use integrated Git functionality in Visual Studio Code.
  4. Verify updates: Visit your live website to see the changes reflected.

Pros and Cons of Using GitHub Pages:


Pros:

  1. Free Hosting: GitHub Pages is entirely free.
  2. No Ads or Branding: Your website remains clean and professional.
  3. Version Control: Robust version control with Git.
  4. Custom Domain Support: Option to use a custom domain.
  5. GitHub Integration: Seamless integration with existing GitHub workflow.

Cons:

  1. Static Content Only: Designed for hosting static websites.
  2. Learning Curve: New users may experience a learning curve.
  3. Limited Server-Side Functionality: Not suitable for dynamic, interactive content.

Conclusion: Your Free Corner of the Web

In conclusion, GitHub Pages is an excellent choice for creating a free and simple personal website. Its clean interface, version control capabilities, and custom domain support offer a hassle-free way to establish your online presence. Experiment with Visual Studio Code and enjoy sharing your story, portfolio, or thoughts with the world!


Note: GitHub features may evolve, so check the official GitHub Pages documentation for updates.


A different type of post today. I don’t feel like it helped me become a better writer but I’ve been wanting to share how my website is created and how anyone can do the same. So here it is my good enough post. ✌️