Deploying a Website
Key Concepts
- Web Hosting
- Domain Name
- DNS Configuration
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- Version Control
- SSL/TLS Certificates
- Testing and Debugging
- Backup and Recovery
- Monitoring and Maintenance
Web Hosting
Web Hosting is the service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet. It involves renting space on a server where your website files are stored. Common types include Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, Dedicated Hosting, and Cloud Hosting.
Example:
Choosing a hosting provider like Bluehost or HostGator to store your website files.
Domain Name
A Domain Name is the address users type in their browsers to access your website. It is a human-readable name that corresponds to an IP address. For example, "example.com" is a domain name.
Example:
Registering a domain name like "mywebsite.com" through a domain registrar like GoDaddy.
DNS Configuration
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. DNS Configuration involves setting up DNS records to point your domain name to your hosting server.
Example:
Setting up an A record in your DNS settings to point "mywebsite.com" to your hosting server's IP address.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
FTP is a protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server. It is commonly used to upload website files from your local machine to your web hosting server.
Example:
Using an FTP client like FileZilla to upload your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to your hosting server.
Version Control
Version Control systems like Git help manage changes to your website files. It allows you to track changes, collaborate with others, and revert to previous versions if needed.
Example:
Using Git to commit changes to your website files and push them to a remote repository like GitHub.
SSL/TLS Certificates
SSL/TLS Certificates encrypt data transmitted between the user's browser and your website. They ensure secure connections and are essential for protecting sensitive information like login credentials and payment details.
Example:
Installing an SSL certificate on your hosting server to enable HTTPS for your website.
Testing and Debugging
Testing and Debugging involve checking your website for errors and ensuring it functions correctly across different browsers and devices. Tools like BrowserStack and Lighthouse can help with this process.
Example:
Running a Lighthouse audit on your website to identify and fix performance and accessibility issues.
Backup and Recovery
Backup and Recovery involve creating copies of your website files and database to restore them in case of data loss or corruption. Regular backups ensure your website can be quickly restored if something goes wrong.
Example:
Setting up automated backups for your website files and database using a hosting provider's backup tools.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Monitoring and Maintenance involve keeping your website up-to-date and monitoring its performance. This includes updating software, checking for security vulnerabilities, and ensuring high uptime.
Example:
Using a monitoring tool like UptimeRobot to track your website's uptime and receive alerts if it goes down.
Examples and Analogies
Think of Web Hosting as renting a space to display your store (website) on a busy street (Internet). A Domain Name is your store's sign that people recognize, DNS is the map that guides customers to your store, FTP is the truck that delivers your store's goods, Version Control is the inventory system that tracks changes, SSL/TLS Certificates are the locks on your store's doors, Testing and Debugging are the quality checks before opening, Backup and Recovery are the insurance policies for your store, and Monitoring and Maintenance are the regular inspections and repairs to keep your store running smoothly.