Netlify has become one of the most popular platforms for deploying modern web applications, especially for static sites and JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, and Markup) architectures. It simplifies the deployment process, integrates seamlessly with Git workflows, and offers powerful features such as continuous deployment, serverless functions, and global CDN — all with a generous free tier.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what Netlify is, why you might use it, and how to deploy your website step-by-step.
What Is Netlify?
Netlify is a cloud-based platform that automates the deployment of static sites and frontend applications. It supports frameworks like React, Vue, Angular, and static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, and Eleventy.
Key Features:
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One-click continuous deployment from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket
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Global CDN (Content Delivery Network)
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Free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt
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Built-in form handling and serverless functions
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Instant rollbacks to previous versions
Why Use Netlify for Deployment?
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Ease of Use: Deploy with a simple drag-and-drop or a Git push.
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Speed: Global CDN ensures fast load times across the world.
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Automation: Builds and deploys are triggered automatically with each code push.
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Integration: Works well with modern development workflows and tools.
How to Deploy a Website on Netlify
You can deploy a site on Netlify in two main ways:
Method 1: Drag-and-Drop Deployment
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Build Your Site: Generate your static files (e.g., with
npm run buildin React). -
Visit and sign up/log in.
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Go to the Dashboard, click “Add new site” > “Deploy manually”.
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Drag and drop your site’s build folder (e.g.,
/dist,/build) into the browser. -
Done! Netlify will deploy the site and give you a live link.
Method 2: Git-Integrated Continuous Deployment
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Push Your Project to GitHub (or GitLab/Bitbucket).
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On Netlify, click “Add new site” > “Import from Git”.
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Authenticate your Git provider and select the repository.
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Set build command (e.g.,
npm run build) and publish directory (e.g.,buildordist). -
Click Deploy site.
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Netlify will build and deploy your site. Every push to the main branch will now trigger a new deployment automatically.
Bonus: Custom Domain and SSL
Once deployed:
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Go to Site Settings > Domain Management to add a custom domain.
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SSL is automatically enabled with Let’s Encrypt for HTTPS.
Common Deployment Issues
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Wrong publish directory: Make sure you’re pointing Netlify to the correct folder (e.g.,
dist,build). -
Build errors: Use the build logs in Netlify’s dashboard to debug issues.
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Missing environment variables: Add them under Site Settings > Environment Variables.
Conclusion
Netlify takes the pain out of deploying static websites and frontend apps. With just a few clicks, you can have a fully hosted, secure, and fast website running with continuous deployment from your Git repository. Whether you’re building a personal blog, a portfolio, or a full-blown web app, Netlify is a reliable and developer-friendly solution.