Learn about websites
Static and server-rendered sites need hosting, a domain and caching. See how to publish one, what it costs and how to make it faster.
Featured
- ConceptsWhat is a static site (and how to host one)A static site is a set of ready-made HTML, CSS and JavaScript files served the same to every visitor. Learn how it works, when to use one and how to host it.
- CostsHow much does it cost to host a website?Hosting a website costs anywhere from nothing to a few dozen dollars a month. See what goes into the bill: hosting, domain, traffic and extras, with real limits.
- CostsHow much does static site hosting cost?Hosting a static site costs between zero and a few dozen dollars a month in most cases. See how traffic sets the price, with step-by-step math.
Concepts3
- What is a static site (and how to host one)A static site is a set of ready-made HTML, CSS and JavaScript files served the same to every visitor. Learn how it works, when to use one and how to host it.
- What is a web server? Nginx, Apache and Node explainedA web server is the software that receives HTTP requests and returns pages, files or API responses. Learn how it works and when to use Nginx, Apache or Node.js.
- What is web hosting and how does it work?Web hosting is an always-on server that stores your website's files and sends them to visitors. Learn how it works, the main types and what to check before you buy.
How-to guides5
- How to host a Next.js appTo host a Next.js app, run next build and next start on a server with Node.js, or generate a static export. See the steps, code and common errors.
- How to host a React appTo host a React app built with Vite, run the build and publish the dist folder on any static file server. Covers routes, environment variables and domains.
- How to host a website: a beginner's guideTo host a website, build the final files, upload them to a server that stays on all the time and point an address at it. Here is the full step-by-step guide.
- How to speed up your websiteTo speed up a website, measure first, then optimize images, compress text, set up caching and use a CDN. See the steps with working code and how to verify them.
- Hosting a website with a database: how it worksA website with a database needs a back end that connects to it: the browser never talks to the database. See the architecture and a Node.js and PostgreSQL example.
Problems and errors3
- Website down? How to find out whyWebsite down? Find out whether DNS, the certificate, the server or your code is to blame by reading the exact error and following a fixed diagnostic order.
- 404 on refresh in a React/Vue SPA after deployA React or Vue SPA returns 404 on refresh because the server looks for a file at that URL. Fix it with a fallback to index.html in nginx, Express, Apache or Netlify.
- HTTP 500, 502, 503 and 504 errors: what they mean500 means your app crashed, 502 means a proxy got a bad reply, 503 means overload or maintenance, 504 means a timeout. Learn how to diagnose and fix each one.
Costs3
- How much does it cost to host a website?Hosting a website costs anywhere from nothing to a few dozen dollars a month. See what goes into the bill: hosting, domain, traffic and extras, with real limits.
- How much does static site hosting cost?Hosting a static site costs between zero and a few dozen dollars a month in most cases. See how traffic sets the price, with step-by-step math.
- How much does it cost to host a Next.js app?Hosting a Next.js app costs from zero with a static export to tens of dollars a month with a server. See the billing models, traffic math and hidden costs.
Comparisons3
- Static vs dynamic website: differences and when to use eachA static website serves ready-made files, the same for everyone; a dynamic one builds each page per request. Compare speed, cost, security, SEO and use cases.
- Website hosting vs app hosting (Node, Python, bots)Website hosting serves ready-made files. App hosting keeps a process running. See the difference, a side-by-side table and which one to pick for each project.
- SSR vs SSG vs static: what changes when you hostSSR builds HTML on every request, SSG builds it once at build time, and a static site is just ready-made files. See what each needs in servers, caching and cost.
Which to choose3
- Best static site generator: Astro, Hugo, Eleventy or Next.jsAstro for content sites with a little interactivity, Hugo for thousands of pages, Eleventy for simplicity and Next.js if you already use React.
- Best tech stack for a small business websiteFor most small businesses, a static site with its own domain, HTTPS and direct contact links is enough. See when WordPress, a site builder or a framework fits.
- How to choose a hosting provider: a no-hype checklistTo choose a hosting provider, define your project type, then check RAM, HTTPS, custom domain, logs, easy exit and total cost. A checklist plus picks by scenario.