What is Netlify?

Netlify is an online service that lets you publish (host) a website with just a few clicks. It automatically builds your site’s code, puts it on fast servers around the world, and keeps it updated whenever you make changes.

Let's break it down

  • Online service: a website you can log into and use over the internet.
  • Publish (host) a website: make a site reachable by anyone on the web.
  • Just a few clicks: you don’t need to write complex server commands.
  • Automatically builds your site’s code: Netlify takes the files you write (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) and turns them into a ready-to-run website.
  • Puts it on fast servers around the world: it stores copies of your site on many locations (a CDN) so visitors load it quickly.
  • Keeps it updated whenever you make changes: when you push new code, Netlify re-builds and re-deploys the site automatically.

Why does it matter?

Because it removes the technical hassle of setting up servers, configuring domains, and managing updates, allowing beginners and teams to focus on building the actual content and features of their site. It also speeds up the launch process and often offers a free tier, making professional-grade hosting accessible to anyone.

Where is it used?

  • Personal blogs or portfolios that need a simple, fast web presence.
  • Small e-commerce stores built with static-site generators (e.g., Gatsby, Hugo).
  • Documentation sites for open-source projects (e.g., API docs, user guides).
  • Landing pages for startups or marketing campaigns that require quick iteration.

Good things about it

  • One-click deployment from Git repositories (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).
  • Built-in global CDN for fast loading everywhere.
  • Automatic SSL certificates for secure HTTPS connections.
  • Serverless functions and form handling without extra infrastructure.
  • Generous free tier for low-traffic sites and hobby projects.

Not-so-good things

  • Limited control over low-level server settings; you can’t run custom back-end services.
  • Potential vendor lock-in: moving a site to another host may require re-configuring builds and settings.
  • Build minutes and bandwidth caps on free plans can become restrictive for larger projects.
  • Pricing can rise quickly for high traffic or many serverless function invocations.