Can I run HTML files directly from GitHub, instead of just viewing their source?
To share your HTML files as live web pages, GitHub Pages is the perfect platform:
- Shift your HTML content to a GitHub repository.
- Proceed to the repository settings, kick-start GitHub Pages, and indicate your files as the hook.
- The live URL you get will be
https://username.github.io/repo/.
For example, with a repo called mycode, you have:
Every time you git push to your chosen branch, the updates come alive on GitHub Pages.
Dynamic Run with raw.githack.com
raw.githack.com is an alternative that's perfect when you need to share a fast preview:
- Go rogue and break free from cloning the repository—this service transmutes GitHub file paths into usable content.
- Provides a hit of 60's Internet speed with CDN cache for production sharing.
- Embed the URL in your HTML file to call on fellow CSS or JS components with the correct MIME types.
Remember: all you need to do is to replace github.com with raw.githack.com in your file's URL, and pick a branch between raw (dev mode) or cdn (prod mode).
An Inline View & Handy Extensions
See HTML files right on GitHub without the assistance of GitHub Pages:
- GitHub HTML Preview: Join
http://htmlpreview.github.io/?with the raw HTML file URL. - Bookmarklet: fashion a bookmark with
javascript:top.location="http://htmlpreview.github.com/?"+document.URL. - Browser extensions such as githtml bring HTML browsing directly to GitHub's stage with a user-friendly interface.
But GitHub Pages Offers More
Set a unique gh-pages branch or select the /docs folder to turn that bunch of code into a live site:
- Your repository's HTML files flex their muscles as a public website.
- Trade the default web address
username.github.io/repo/for your custom domain.
Mock Local HTML & JS Testing with Online Tools
Make use of these when local testing seems too taxing:
- jsfiddle.net or jsbin.com: bring your code to life and share immediate previews.
- jsperf.com: Use this site for performance comparison with embedded code samples.
URL Manipulation for Direct Access
Turn the HTML file's GitHub URL into one befitting a service that lets you see the web page docked in all its glory:
- Change the URL path to call upon raw content from any revision or branch.
- Great when you're itching to share one-off test results or pull off a quick feedback.
A Hosting Powerhouse called GitHub Pages
Go ahead and bring gh-pages branch to life, and GitHub will treat your repository as a website:
- This treatment is available for all public repositories.
- Comes with custom domain, HTTPS, and Jekyll support for static website generation—bells and whistles for blogs or project documentation.
Web Hosting for HTML Projects with GitHub
Ever wanted to stage your HTML projects in front of an audience?
- Create specific project page using the
username.github.io/projectnameformat. - Avail beautifully crafted templates or static site generators like Jekyll to add theme and structure your little tienda in the cloud.
Accessing Test Results Online
Few tools can unlock your test results for the online audience:
- Swap the repository URL with online tools like HTML Preview to view HTML results.
- No better tool when it's time for collaborative debugging or pitch the functionality to the stakeholders.
Extra Tips for Your GitHub Pages Performance
Here’s how you can squeeze much more from GitHub Pages:
- GitHub Actions: automate your web deployment to GitHub Pages.
- Custom domains: Your GitHub Pages URL yelling your unique brand name.
- Static site generators: Tools like Hugo or Pelican to make your site more wholesome.
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