How to Use Vercel

Getting started with Vercel

In this guide, you'll learn how to deploy your web applications using Vercel, a platform designed for simplicity and efficiency. By the end, you'll be able to set up an account, deploy your first project, and optimise your deployment for better performance.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Vercel's website.
2. Click on the 'Sign Up' button in the top right corner.
3. Choose to sign up with GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Authorise Vercel to access your account.
4. Once logged in, you’ll see your dashboard. Click on 'New Project' to start deploying.

Step 2: Your first deployment

1. After clicking 'New Project', Vercel will display your repositories. Select the repository containing your front-end code.
2. Vercel will automatically detect the framework (e.g., Next.js) and suggest default settings. Click 'Deploy'.
3. Wait for the deployment process to finish. Once complete, you’ll see a unique URL where your application is live.
4. Click on the URL to view your deployed application.

Step 3: Get better results

1. To improve performance, go to your project settings by clicking on the gear icon next to your project name in the dashboard.
2. Under the 'Settings' tab, navigate to 'Build & Development Settings'.
3. Enable 'Serverless Functions' if you're using dynamic content; this optimises response times.
4. Use Vercel's 'Analytics' feature to monitor performance and understand user behaviour. You can find this under the 'Analytics' tab on your project dashboard.

Pro tip

Use Preview Deployments. Every time you create a pull request in your repository, Vercel creates a preview link. This lets you test changes in a live environment before merging, saving time on troubleshooting.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid skipping the configuration settings when deploying. Always review the suggested settings and adjust them based on your project's requirements. Ignoring this can lead to performance issues or deployment errors.