From Code to Online Website

Developing a website using code requires web programming skills, in-depth knowledge of languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and others, along with familiarity with using servers, FTP, and other tools. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of getting a manually developed website online, from choosing a domain to hosting and getting your files online.

1. Domain Purchase:
The first step is to purchase a domain from a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap or others. The domain is the web address of your site (e.g. www.yoursite.com).

2. Hosting Choice:
Hosting is the space on the web where your site's files will be hosted. You can opt for shared hosting (Linux or Windows) or self-hosting using services such as AWS, DigitalOcean or a personal server.

  • Shared Hosting Linux vs Windows vs Self-Hosting with CloudFlare:
    • Linux shared hosting is popular for its reliability, security, and support for programming languages such as PHP and MySQL. It is ideal for most websites.
      With providers like Aruba, Register, OVHcloud, Siteground, GoDaddy, they are around €30/year.
    • Windows hosting is specifically for sites that require ASP.NET or other Microsoft-specific technologies.
      Usually slightly more expensive, we are around 30-40€/year.
    • Self-hosting with CloudFlare offers more control and flexibility, allowing you to manage your server from home or from a cloud provider.
      Initially 0€/year. However, considering the maintenance of a personal server, you need to consider the cost of purchasing the server, energy and maintenance. CloudFlare offers a free basic plan for small sites, but for more advanced sites it may involve additional costs.

3. FTP Connectivity and File Uploading:
Once you have purchased hosting, you will need to use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to the server and upload your website files. This process requires the server IP address, username, and password provided by your hosting.

4. DNS and CloudFlare Configuration:
DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates web addresses into IP addresses, allowing browsers to find websites. Often, with Windows/Linux hosting from providers such as Aruba, Register, OVHcloud, siteground, GoDaddy, DNS are pre-configured and do not require changes, unless you want to use advanced services such as those offered by CloudFlare.

5. GitHub and Default Templates:
Platforms like GitHub offer templates and ready-to-use projects. Developers can download an existing project, customize it, and upload it to their own server.

Case Study: Hosting and Putting Paolo Ronco's Websites Online:

In conclusion, bringing a website developed through code online requires a series of technical steps, but by following this guide you can make your website accessible and visible worldwide. Choosing the hosting, configuring the domain and using tools such as FTP and CloudFlare are crucial to the success of the project.

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