Top 5 Ways to Deploy Static Sites for Free
Tags: html, css, javascript, webdev
Published: 2023-04-15 18:45:18

## Top 5 Ways to Deploy Static Sites for Free

In this post, I will cover the top 5 ways to deploy static sites for free and also provide a brief explanation of static vs dynamic sites.

## Static vs Dynamic Sites

Before diving into the top ways to deploy static sites, let's first define the difference between static and dynamic sites.

Static sites are web pages that are pre-built and served as-is to the user. They are typically made up of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, and do not require server-side processing. In other words, static sites do not interact with databases or generate content dynamically. Static sites are easy to build and maintain, load quickly, and are more secure since they do not have a backend.

On the other hand, dynamic sites are web pages that are generated on the fly, often using server-side scripting languages like PHP or Python. These sites are more complex and require a backend to handle database interactions, content generation, and other server-side processing. Dynamic sites are more flexible and can offer more features, but are also more complicated to build and maintain.

## Top 5 Ways to Deploy Static Sites for Free

1. **GitHub Pages:** GitHub Pages is a free hosting service offered by GitHub that allows you to host static sites directly from a GitHub repository. Simply create a repository and add your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to it, and GitHub will automatically deploy your site. GitHub Pages also offers a custom domain feature, so you can use your own domain name.

2. **Netlify:** Netlify is a popular platform for hosting static sites. It offers a free plan that includes features like continuous deployment, custom domains, and SSL certificates. Netlify also offers a variety of integrations with popular static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, and Gatsby.

3. **Surge:** Surge is a simple and fast platform for hosting static sites. It offers a free plan that includes custom domains, SSL certificates, and unlimited projects. Surge also has a command-line interface that makes deploying your site quick and easy.

4. **Firebase Hosting:** Firebase Hosting is a platform offered by Google that allows you to host static sites as well as dynamic sites built using Firebase. It offers a free plan that includes features like SSL certificates, custom domains, and automatic scaling. Firebase Hosting also integrates with other Firebase services like Authentication and Cloud Functions.

5. **GitLab Pages:** GitLab Pages is a free hosting service offered by GitLab that allows you to host static sites directly from a GitLab repository. Like GitHub Pages, simply create a repository and add your files to it, and GitLab will automatically deploy your site. GitLab Pages also offers custom domains and HTTPS support.

In conclusion, deploying a static site has never been easier thanks to the many free hosting options available. Each of the platforms listed above offers its own unique features and benefits, so choose the one that best fits your needs. And remember, static sites are a great option for simple projects that do not require server-side processing, and can be hosted for free with these platforms.