How to Use Gitlab Pages to Deploy HTML Website Online

GitLab Pages provides a simple and efficient way to publish static websites directly from your GitLab repository. In this article, we will guide you through the process of publishing an HTML website on GitLab Pages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get your website up and running in no time.

1. Set Up a GitLab Account

To get started, you’ll need a GitLab account. Visit the GitLab website gitlab.com and sign up for an account using your email or through an existing Google, GitHub, or Bitbucket account. Once you have signed up, you’ll have access to GitLab’s version control and collaboration features.

2. Create a New Repository

After logging in to your GitLab account, navigate to the main dashboard and click on the “New project” button. Fill in the necessary details such as the project name, visibility settings, and any additional configurations. Ensure that you select the option to initialize the repository with a README file.

3. Prepare Your HTML Website

Before publishing your HTML website on GitLab Pages, make sure your website is ready for deployment. Organize your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files in a logical directory structure. Verify that your website functions correctly and that all external resources, such as images or fonts, are correctly linked.

4. Upload Your Website to the Repository

To upload your HTML website to the GitLab repository, open the repository’s main page and click on the “Upload file” button. Select all the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files from your local machine and upload them to the repository. Alternatively, you can also use Git commands to clone the repository to your local machine and then push the files to the repository.

5. Configure GitLab Pages Settings

In your GitLab repository, navigate to the “Settings” tab and select the “Pages” option from the sidebar. Enable GitLab Pages for your repository and specify the source branch for your website. For an HTML website, you can choose the main branch or a specific branch where your website files are located.

6. Build and Deploy Your Website

Once you’ve configured the GitLab Pages settings, GitLab will automatically build and deploy your website. It will use the static files in your repository to generate a live website accessible via a unique URL. The build process may take a few moments, but once completed, you can visit the provided URL to see your published website.

7. Custom Domain Setup

GitLab Pages also supports custom domain setup, allowing you to use your own domain for your website. In the GitLab Pages settings, you can add and configure your custom domain. Follow the instructions provided by GitLab to set up the necessary DNS records and ensure that your domain is properly linked to your GitLab Pages website.

8. Continuous Deployment and Updates

GitLab Pages supports continuous deployment, meaning any changes you push to your repository will trigger automatic updates to your published website. This feature ensures that your website remains up to date without manual intervention. You can customize the deployment settings based on your requirements.

Conclusion

With GitLab Pages, publishing an HTML website has become a streamlined process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly publish your website and make it accessible to your audience. Leverage the power of GitLab’s version control system and the simplicity of GitLab Pages to showcase your HTML website online. Get started today and embark on your digital presence journey with ease.

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Hi there! I am Avic Ndugu.

I have published 100+ blog posts on HTML, CSS, Javascript, React and other related topics. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, hiking and listening to podcasts.