What Vercel means
Vercel deploys from Git, creates preview links for every change and runs serverless and edge functions. It has first-class support for Next.js.
Why it matters for your website
Platforms like Vercel make deploying modern front-end sites fast, with previews for every change and a global network for speed. Knowing the plan terms and usage limits matters, since costs and rules can differ between personal and business use.
Example
A hypothetical marketing agency connects a Next.js site's code repository to Vercel, and every change gets a preview link for the client to approve before going live.
Tips
- Use preview deployments to review changes before they reach visitors.
- Check that your plan allows commercial use for business sites.
- Set up usage alerts so traffic spikes do not cause surprise bills.
Common mistakes
- Storing API keys in code instead of environment variables.
- Ignoring function and bandwidth usage until an invoice arrives.
Questions about Vercel
What is Vercel?
A hosting platform built by the creators of Next.js, focused on fast front-end deployment.
Can I host a non-Next.js site on Vercel?
Yes. It supports many front-end frameworks and static sites, though it is closely associated with Next.js.
What is the difference between Vercel and traditional web hosting?
Traditional hosting usually gives you a server to manage files and software on. Vercel builds and deploys your code from a repository and serves it through a global network, with less server management.
