What GitHub means
Developers use GitHub to store code, review changes and track issues. Hosts like Netlify and Vercel can deploy a site automatically every time code is pushed to GitHub.
Why it matters for your website
GitHub is often where your site's code lives, so whoever controls the account controls your code. It also connects to many hosting platforms, so pushing changes can deploy the site automatically. Owning the account protects you if a developer relationship ends.
Example
A marketing agency stores a client's site code in a GitHub repository owned by the client. When the client brings on a new developer, access is granted in minutes.
Tips
- Create the repository in an organization the business owns.
- Use private repositories for client and business code.
- Turn on two-factor login for everyone with access.
Common mistakes
- Letting a freelancer host your only copy of the code in their personal account.
- Making a repository public without checking it for secrets.
Questions about GitHub
What is GitHub?
A service for hosting Git repositories and collaborating on code.
Is GitHub free?
GitHub has a free tier that includes private repositories, with paid plans for extra team and security features.
Can my website deploy automatically from GitHub?
Yes. Many hosting platforms can watch a GitHub repository and rebuild the site whenever changes are pushed.
