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React Hosting on Vercel, Netlify, GitHub Pages β Full Deployment Guide
Introduction β Why Host React Apps on Static Hosts?
After building a React app, the next step is making it publicly accessible. Hosting platforms like Vercel, Netlify, and GitHub Pages provide free, fast, and scalable solutions for deploying static front-end apps.
These services offer:
- Fast global CDN
- HTTPS/SSL by default
- Continuous deployment with Git integration
- Custom domains and redirects
In this guide, youβll learn:
- How to host a React app on Vercel, Netlify, and GitHub Pages
- Platform-specific configurations
- Redirect handling and deployment tips
1. Deploy React App to Vercel
Step-by-Step
- Push your React app to GitHub
- Go to https://vercel.com β Sign up with GitHub
- Click “New Project” β Select your repo
- Configure:
- Framework Preset: React
- Build Command:
npm run build - Output Directory:
build
- Click Deploy
App is live on:https://your-project-name.vercel.app
2. Deploy React App to Netlify
Step-by-Step
- Push code to GitHub
- Go to https://netlify.com β Sign in
- Click “Add New Site” β “Import from Git”
- Select repository β Set build settings:
- Build command:
npm run build - Publish directory:
build
- Build command:
- Click Deploy Site
App is live on:https://your-project-name.netlify.app
SPA Route Fix (React Router)
Add a _redirects file in /public:
/* /index.html 200
3. Deploy React App to GitHub Pages
Install gh-pages
npm install --save gh-pages
Update package.json
{
"homepage": "https://your-username.github.io/your-repo-name",
"scripts": {
"predeploy": "npm run build",
"deploy": "gh-pages -d build"
}
}
Deploy to GitHub Pages
npm run deploy
Live at:https://your-username.github.io/your-repo-name
Deployment Comparison Table
| Feature | Vercel | Netlify | GitHub Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Domain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CI/CD (Git Hook) | Auto-deploy | Auto-deploy | Manual / GitHub Action |
| HTTPS | Free SSL | Free SSL | Free SSL |
| Redirect Support | via config | _redirects file | Limited |
| Routing (SPA) | Handles SPA | Needs _redirects | Requires HashRouter |
Best Practices & Tips
Best Practice
Always run npm run build and test using:
npx serve -s build
Pitfall
Donβt forget to configure React Router for GitHub Pages using <HashRouter> instead of <BrowserRouter>.
Tip
Use .env.production to inject API URLs and secrets securely:
REACT_APP_API_URL=https://yourapi.com
Summary β Recap & Next Steps
Deploying a React app to Vercel, Netlify, or GitHub Pages is fast, free, and production-ready.
Key Takeaways
- Vercel and Netlify are best for seamless CI/CD and SSR integration
- GitHub Pages is great for personal projects or documentation
- SPA routing needs redirects for Netlify or HashRouter for GitHub Pages
Real-World Relevance:
Thousands of devs and startups use these platforms to host production React apps reliably and securely.
FAQ β React Hosting
Which platform is best for beginners?
Netlify and Vercel offer beginner-friendly deployment with GitHub integration.
Can I use a custom domain with Vercel or Netlify?
Yes. You can connect domains and enable HTTPS for free.
How to fix broken React Router links on GitHub Pages?
Use <HashRouter> instead of <BrowserRouter> for routing.
Can I use environment variables in deployment?
Yes. Set them in Netlify/Vercel dashboard or use .env.production.
Do I need a backend to deploy a React app?
No. React can be hosted statically. You can connect to APIs or serverless functions.
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