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Free Domains & Web Hosting with GitHub Student Developer Pack: A Sinhala Tutorial

Are you a student eager to launch your own website or web application but constrained by the costs of domains and hosting? The GitHub Student Developer Pack offers an incredible opportunity to access premium development tools, including free domains and web hosting services. In this comprehensive Sinhala tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of leveraging the GitHub Developer Pack to kickstart your online journey without spending a dime.

What is the GitHub Student Developer Pack?

The GitHub Student Developer Pack is a bundle of premium tools and services offered for free to students worldwide. It includes access to software, cloud services, and learning resources that are essential for modern development. One of the standout features is the provision of free domains and web hosting, enabling students to develop and deploy their projects effortlessly.

Benefits of the Developer Pack

  • Free Domains: Obtain domain names at no cost from reputable providers.
  • Free Web Hosting: Access reliable hosting services to deploy your websites and applications.
  • Premium Development Tools: Utilize advanced software and cloud services for development and collaboration.
  • Learning Resources: Gain access to educational content to enhance your skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the GitHub Student Developer Pack, you must:

  • Be a Student: Enrolled in a degree or diploma-granting course of study.
  • Have a GitHub Account: Sign up for a free GitHub account if you haven’t already.
  • Provide Proof of Enrollment: Valid student ID, academic email address, or other proof of enrollment.

How to Sign Up for the GitHub Student Developer Pack

Step 1: Create a GitHub Account

  1. Visit GitHub: Go to GitHub.com.
  2. Sign Up: Click on “Sign up” and fill in your details.
  3. Verify Email: Confirm your email address by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox.

Step 2: Apply for the Student Developer Pack

  1. Visit the Student Pack Page: Navigate to the GitHub Student Developer Pack.
  2. Click on “Get Your Pack”: Start the application process.
  3. Verify Your Student Status:
    • Academic Email: If you have an email address issued by your institution, use it for verification.
    • Upload Documents: Alternatively, upload a photo of your student ID or other proof of enrollment.
  4. Fill in Required Information: Provide details about your school and field of study.
  5. Submit Application: Review and submit your application.

Note: Verification may take a few days. You’ll receive a confirmation email once approved.

Accessing Free Domains

Several domain providers partner with GitHub to offer free domains to students. Here’s how to claim yours:

Option 1: Namecheap

Offer: One free .me domain and SSL certificate for a year.

Steps:

  1. Access Namecheap Offer: Go to the Namecheap GitHub page.
  2. Sign In with GitHub: Authenticate your GitHub Student Pack.
  3. Choose a .me Domain: Search for an available domain name.
  4. Add to Cart and Checkout: The discount will apply automatically.
  5. Set Up Your Account: Complete registration with Namecheap.

Option 2: Domain.com

Offer: 25% off domain registration.

Steps:

  1. Get the Promo Code: Find the Domain.com offer in your GitHub Student Pack dashboard.
  2. Visit Domain.com: Go to Domain.com.
  3. Select a Domain: Search and choose your desired domain.
  4. Apply Promo Code: Enter the code at checkout to receive the discount.

Setting Up Free Web Hosting

Option 1: GitHub Pages

Offer: Free static site hosting directly from your GitHub repository.

Steps:

  1. Create a Repository:
    • Name it as username.github.io.
  2. Add Your Website Files:
    • Upload your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
  3. Enable GitHub Pages:
    • Go to “Settings” > “Pages.”
    • Select the main branch and save.
  4. Access Your Site:
    • Visit https://username.github.io/.

Option 2: Heroku

Offer: Free hosting for dynamic applications.

Steps:

  1. Sign Up for Heroku: Use the link provided in the Developer Pack.
  2. Create a New App: In the Heroku dashboard, click “New” > “Create New App.”
  3. Deploy Your App:
    • Use Git to push your code to Heroku.
  4. Configure Settings:
    • Set environment variables and build packs as needed.

Option 3: Azure

Offer: $100 in Azure credits and free services.

Steps:

  1. Access Azure for Students: Find the offer in your GitHub Student Pack.
  2. Sign Up with Student Credentials: No credit card required.
  3. Deploy Resources:
    • Use Azure App Service to host web applications.
  4. Manage Resources:
    • Monitor usage to stay within free limits.

Deploying Your Website

Connecting Your Domain to Hosting

  1. Update DNS Settings:
    • In your domain registrar’s dashboard, locate DNS management.
  2. Add Records:
    • For GitHub Pages:
      • Add an A record pointing to GitHub’s IP addresses.
      • Add a CNAME record pointing to username.github.io.
    • For Other Hosts:
      • Follow hosting provider’s instructions for DNS configuration.
  3. Verify Connection:
    • Use DNS propagation tools to check if your domain points to your hosting.

Securing Your Website

  • SSL Certificates:
    • Namecheap: Offers a free one-year SSL certificate.
    • Let’s Encrypt: Provides free SSL certificates for any domain.
  • Implement HTTPS:
    • Ensure your website is accessible over secure protocols.

Conclusion

By taking advantage of the GitHub Student Developer Pack, you can:

  • Save Money: Eliminate costs associated with domains and hosting.
  • Gain Experience: Learn how to deploy and manage web projects.
  • Showcase Your Work: Build an online portfolio or project site.

This Sinhala tutorial has walked you through obtaining free domains and hosting, setting up your website, and deploying it to the world. Now is the perfect time to launch your online presence and showcase your talents.

Don’t let costs hold you back—start your web development journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I renew my free domain after one year?

  • Answer: The free domain from Namecheap is valid for one year. After that, you can renew it at the regular price or transfer it to another provider offering better rates.

2. What if I graduate before the two-year period ends?

  • Answer: Once you’ve redeemed the offers, they remain valid for the specified duration, even if you graduate. However, you may lose access to unredeemed offers after your student status expires.

3. Can I use these services for commercial projects?

  • Answer: Yes, you can use the domains and hosting for personal or commercial projects. Ensure you comply with the terms of service of each provider.

4. Is prior coding knowledge required?

  • Answer: Basic knowledge of web development is helpful but not mandatory. There are numerous resources available to help you learn.

5. Can I get support if I face issues?

  • Answer: Yes, most providers offer customer support. Additionally, GitHub has an active community where you can seek assistance.

Chandima Galahitiyawa

Chandima Galahitiyawa is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur who is also a digital content creator and digital marketer.