🎉 Announcing our new Equinix Sydney data centre SY5!
PricingGo to SiteCoveClient login

Deploying Websites with cPanel, FTP, or CLI

When it comes to deploying a website, the process involves moving your website's files from your local computer to the hosting server where it will be publicly accessible. Depending on your technical expertise, there are various methods you can use to deploy your site, including cPanel, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or CLI (Command Line Interface). Each of these methods offers distinct advantages and can be used based on your preferences, the hosting environment, and the complexity of your website. In this article, we will explore the three most common ways to deploy a website: using cPanel, FTP, and CLI.

Deploying a Website Using cPanel

cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel that provides a user-friendly interface for managing various aspects of your hosting account, including website deployment. cPanel is commonly used by shared hosting providers and offers an easy way to upload your website files, set up databases, and manage domain settings.

Steps to Deploy a Website Using cPanel

  1. Log into cPanel:

    • Start by logging into your hosting account’s cPanel. The cPanel URL is typically something like https://yourdomain.com/cpanel, or it may be provided by your hosting provider.

  2. Navigate to the File Manager:

    • In the cPanel dashboard, look for the File Manager under the "Files" section. The File Manager allows you to upload and manage files directly on your server.

  3. Upload Files to the Public Directory:

    • Open the public_html directory (or the root folder for your website). This is the directory where your website files should be stored.

    • Use the Upload button to select and upload your website files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, etc.). You can upload your files individually or as a compressed ZIP file (which can be extracted later).

  4. Set Up Databases (if applicable):

    • If your website requires a database (e.g., a WordPress site), you can create a MySQL database from the MySQL Databases section in cPanel.

    • After creating the database, you’ll need to upload your database files using the phpMyAdmin tool in cPanel, or configure your website to connect to the newly created database.

  5. Set Domain and DNS Settings:

    • If you’ve already purchased a domain, update the DNS settings to point to your hosting provider’s nameservers (usually provided by the host). This can be done in your domain registrar’s dashboard.

  6. Test Your Website:

    • Once everything is uploaded and configured, visit your domain to ensure the website is working properly.

Advantages of Using cPanel

  • User-Friendly: cPanel offers an intuitive, graphical interface that simplifies the deployment process, making it ideal for beginners.

  • Convenient File Management: You can upload, edit, and manage files directly through the File Manager.

  • No Need for Command Line: No coding or terminal knowledge is required.

Deploying a Website Using FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is another common method for deploying websites. FTP allows you to transfer files from your local computer to your server over the internet. FTP clients such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP are commonly used to facilitate the transfer process.

Steps to Deploy a Website Using FTP

  1. Install an FTP Client:

    • Download and install an FTP client like FileZilla. These tools are free, widely used, and offer an easy-to-use graphical interface.

  2. Obtain FTP Credentials:

    • Your hosting provider should provide FTP credentials, which include the FTP server address, username, and password. These details are typically found in your hosting control panel or sent via email.

  3. Configure the FTP Client:

    • Open your FTP client and configure it with your FTP credentials. You’ll need to enter the FTP server address, username, and password to connect to your hosting account.

  4. Transfer Files to the Server:

    • Once connected, navigate to the public_html folder (or the root directory) on the server side in the FTP client.

    • On the local side of the FTP client, browse and select your website files, then drag and drop them into the server’s public_html folder.

    • If you’re uploading a large number of files, you can upload them all at once by selecting them in your FTP client.

  5. Test Your Website:

    • After the files are uploaded, navigate to your domain and check that your website is live and functioning as expected.

Advantages of Using FTP

  • Faster for Large Files: FTP can be more efficient for uploading large files or many files at once.

  • Widely Supported: FTP is widely supported by most hosting providers and FTP clients.

  • Flexible: FTP clients allow for managing files on your server directly, including downloading, editing, and organizing them.

Deploying a Website Using CLI (Command Line Interface)

For developers and those with more technical expertise, deploying a website using CLI (Command Line Interface) is a powerful and flexible option. This method is typically used when working with advanced workflows, especially when deploying static websites or sites connected to version control systems like Git.

Steps to Deploy a Website Using CLI

  1. Connect to the Server Using SSH:

    • To access your hosting server via the CLI, you’ll need to use SSH (Secure Shell). Most hosting providers allow SSH access. Use an SSH client like Terminal (Mac/Linux) or PuTTY (Windows) to connect to your server.

    • You’ll need the SSH credentials (server IP address, username, and password) provided by your hosting provider.

    Example command:

    ssh username@your-server-ip

  2. Navigate to the Directory:

    • Once logged in via SSH, navigate to the folder where your website files should be deployed (usually public_html).

    Example command:

    cd public_html

  3. Upload Files:

    • To upload files, you can use SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) or rsync to copy files from your local machine to the server.

    Example SCP command:

    scp -r /path/to/your/local/files username@your-server-ip:/path/to/your/server/folder

  4. Deploy via Git (optional):

    • If your website is connected to a Git repository, you can clone the repository directly to your server and pull updates as needed.

    Example command to clone:

    git clone https://github.com/username/your-repository.git

  5. Set Permissions:

    • Once the files are uploaded, ensure that the correct file and directory permissions are set to avoid errors when the website is accessed.

    Example command:

    chmod -R 755 /path/to/your/files

  6. Test Your Website:

    • Visit your domain to ensure the site has been deployed correctly and is functioning as expected.

Advantages of Using CLI

  • Powerful and Flexible: The CLI method is great for developers who need more control over the deployment process, especially when automating tasks.

  • Version Control Integration: It’s easier to integrate version control tools like Git for a more streamlined deployment process.

  • Efficiency: For larger websites, automating deployment with CLI tools can save time and reduce human error.

Each deployment method—cPanel, FTP, and CLI—has its advantages depending on your level of experience and the complexity of your website. cPanel is the easiest and most beginner-friendly option, while FTP is a flexible and efficient way to upload files, especially for larger projects. For those with technical expertise, using the CLI offers the greatest control and the ability to automate deployment, making it ideal for developers managing more complex websites or working with version control systems.

PreviousChoosing the Right Hosting TypeNextSetting Up Version Control

Last updated

Was this helpful?