GitHub Pages vs Heroku: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this markdown, we will discuss the key differences between GitHub Pages and Heroku, both of which are popular platforms for deploying websites and web applications. These platforms have different features and use cases, making them suitable for various types of projects.

1. Deployment Process: One key difference between GitHub Pages and Heroku lies in their deployment process. GitHub Pages is designed specifically for hosting static websites, where you can simply commit your code to a GitHub repository, and the platform will automatically build and deploy the website. On the other hand, Heroku is a cloud platform that supports dynamic web applications. To deploy on Heroku, you need to push your code to a Git repository and specify the necessary buildpacks and configurations.

2. Supported Technologies: Another significant difference between GitHub Pages and Heroku is the range of technologies they support. GitHub Pages primarily focuses on static websites and supports popular front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It does not support server-side technologies such as database integration, server scripting, or backend frameworks. In contrast, Heroku supports a wide range of technologies, including both front-end and back-end technologies. It provides support for various programming languages, databases, and frameworks, allowing you to build more complex web applications.

3. Custom Domain: GitHub Pages and Heroku also differ in terms of custom domain setup. GitHub Pages allows you to associate a custom domain with your hosted website or application. However, you are limited to using only one custom domain per GitHub Pages account. In contrast, Heroku offers greater flexibility by allowing you to add multiple custom domains to your application, making it easier to handle different domains or subdomains associated with your project.

4. Pricing Model: The pricing models of GitHub Pages and Heroku also vary significantly. GitHub Pages provides free hosting for static websites, making it an affordable option for personal projects or small websites. However, if you require additional features like HTTPS support or a higher level of customization, you may need to consider a paid plan. Heroku, on the other hand, offers a freemium model with limited resources on their free plan. For more advanced features and additional resources, you would need to upgrade to a paid plan, which can be more expensive compared to GitHub Pages.

5. Scaling Capabilities: GitHub Pages is not designed to scale indefinitely and has certain limitations when it comes to handling high traffic or scaling resources dynamically. It provides a limited amount of bandwidth and storage, making it more suitable for smaller websites or personal projects. In contrast, Heroku is built to handle scalability and can dynamically scale resources based on the traffic and demands of your application. It offers features like vertical and horizontal scaling, allowing you to accommodate increasing traffic and provide a seamless user experience.

6. Version Control Integration: Lastly, GitHub Pages has seamless integration with Git version control system, as it is a part of the GitHub platform. This makes it easy to manage and track changes to your codebase. On the other hand, while you can still utilize version control with Heroku by connecting to a Git repository, it does not have the same level of integration and collaboration features as GitHub Pages.

In Summary, GitHub Pages is ideal for hosting static websites with simpler requirements, whereas Heroku is a versatile platform suitable for deploying dynamic web applications with a wide range of technologies and scalability needs.