Overview

GitHub Pages remains the simplest way to publish a website directly from a GitHub repository. No build configuration, no deployment setup, no pricing tiers, push to a branch and your site goes live. For documentation, portfolios, and project sites, this simplicity is exactly right.

The platform's tight GitHub integration means your site lives alongside your code. Enable Pages in repository settings, choose a branch, and you're done. Jekyll support provides templating and markdown rendering without external build tools.

The trade-off for this simplicity is capability. GitHub Pages serves static files only, no server-side code, no serverless functions, no databases. For sites that fit this model, it's perfect. For sites that need more, look elsewhere.

Features Deep-Dive

Jekyll Integration

GitHub Pages builds Jekyll sites automatically. Write content in Markdown, use Liquid templates for layouts, and GitHub handles compilation. No local Jekyll installation required.

A library of pre-built themes enables quick starts, while custom themes allow full design control. For documentation and blogs, Jekyll's simplicity is an advantage.

Custom Domains

GitHub Pages supports custom domains with automatic HTTPS via Let's Encrypt. Configure your DNS, add the domain in repository settings, and SSL certificates provision automatically.

The subdomain username.github.io works immediately without configuration, useful for testing before configuring custom domains.

GitHub Actions Integration

For sites requiring build steps beyond Jekyll, GitHub Actions provides custom workflows. Build with Hugo, Eleventy, or any static site generator, then deploy to Pages. The integration is native and well-documented.

Actions enable previews, staging environments, and complex build pipelines while maintaining Pages' simplicity for deployment.

Pricing Analysis

GitHub Pages is free for public repositories with unlimited bandwidth up to 100GB/month and storage up to 1GB per repository. For most sites, these limits are never approached.

Private repository Pages requires GitHub Pro ($4/month) or GitHub Team. The Pages functionality is identical; the cost is for private repository access.

There are no premium tiers, bandwidth overages, or feature gates. The simplicity extends to pricing, free means free.

Compared to Vercel, Netlify, or Cloudflare Pages, GitHub Pages lacks features but also lacks complexity. For appropriate use cases, the value is excellent.

Who Is This For?

GitHub Pages works best for:

• Open source documentation published alongside code
• Developer portfolios showcasing work
• Project landing pages for GitHub repositories
• Blogs and personal sites built with Jekyll
• Anyone wanting simplicity over features

Who Should NOT Use This

GitHub Pages might not be the right choice if:

• Server-side functionality needed: No functions or APIs
• Build complexity required: Limited build customization
• High-performance edge delivery needed: Basic CDN
• Team collaboration features wanted: No preview deployments
• Beyond static sites: No dynamic capabilities

Bottom Line

GitHub Pages does one thing well: publish static sites from Git repositories. The tight GitHub integration, zero configuration, and free pricing make it ideal for documentation, portfolios, and simple sites. Don't overcomplicate what doesn't need complication.

For sites that need more, serverless functions, edge computing, complex builds, modern platforms like Vercel, Netlify, or Cloudflare Pages are better choices. But for many sites, GitHub Pages is exactly enough.

FAQ

Can I use GitHub Pages without Jekyll?

Yes. You can deploy any static files by pushing them to your Pages branch. Use GitHub Actions to build with other generators like Hugo, Eleventy, or plain HTML.

Is GitHub Pages good for production sites?

For appropriate use cases (docs, portfolios, simple sites), yes. The CDN is basic but reliable. For high-traffic sites or those needing advanced features, consider alternatives.

How does GitHub Pages compare to Netlify?

Netlify offers more features: serverless functions, forms, identity, and better build systems. GitHub Pages offers simplicity and zero cost. Choose based on whether you need those features.

Can I use a custom domain with GitHub Pages?

Yes. Configure your DNS records (CNAME or A records), add the domain in repository settings, and GitHub provisions SSL automatically. Custom domains work on both free and paid plans.

Is GitHub Pages free for private repositories?

Pages for private repositories requires GitHub Pro ($4/month). Public repositories get Pages for free. The Pages functionality is identical regardless of repository visibility.