Version control is the backbone of modern web development. Whether you’re managing a simple personal site or maintaining a large-scale e-commerce platform, tracking code changes efficiently is vital. And when it comes to deploying websites securely and systematically, Git is the tool of choice.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to set up Git version control for your website using cPanel and explore advanced practices beyond cPanel that developers and agencies can adopt for better collaboration and deployment workflows.
What Is Git and Why Use It for Web Hosting?
Git version control is a distributed version control system that tracks code changes, allows collaboration among multiple developers, and provides a reliable way to roll back to previous versions when something goes wrong.
Key Benefits of Using Git Version Control for Your Website:
- Code safety: Keep a full history of your project.
- Collaboration: Manage code with multiple developers without conflicts.
- Deployment control: Push changes to production safely.
- Automation: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines for streamlined workflows.
If you’re hosting your website with providers like Nest Nepal, Webtech Nepal, or Babal Host, many of them already support Git via cPanel or SSH access.
Setting Up Git via cPanel: Step-by-Step
Most modern hosting providers in Nepal, like Nest Nepal, offer Git integration directly through cPanel. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Access the Git Version Control Tool
- Log in to cPanel.
- Navigate to the Git Version Control section under Files or Software.
- Click Create Repository.
Step 2: Create a New Repository
- Choose between:
- Clone a Remote Repository (e.g., GitHub, Bitbucket)
- Create a New Repository (to push from your local environment later)
- Specify the repository path (e.g., /home/username/public_html/myproject)
- Name your repository descriptively (e.g., site-2025)
Step 3: Manage Repository
- After creating, cPanel will display the repo details.
- You can view the clone URL, working directory, and branch information.
Step 4: Push Changes from Local to Server
- On your local machine, open Terminal or Git Bash.
- Run:
git init
git remote add origin ssh://your-cpanel-username@yourdomain.com/home/username/repo-path
git add.
git commit -m “Initial commit”
git push origin master
Note: Your hosting provider must allow SSH access or Git over HTTPS for pushing. Nest Nepal, for example, provides full SSH access on advanced plans.
Automating Deployment with Git Hooks in cPanel
Once your Git repository is set up, you can automate deployment using post-receive hooks:
- Access your repo folder in cPanel’s File Manager or via SSH.
Navigate to .git/hooks and create/edit post-receive:
#!/bin/bash
GIT_WORK_TREE=/home/username/public_html/myproject git checkout -f
- Make it executable:
chmod +x post-receive
- This allows your site to auto-deploy whenever you push new commits.
Going Beyond cPanel: Advanced Git Practices
If you’re managing multiple environments or projects, consider these best practices:
1. Use Branches for Environments
- main or master: production
- dev: development staging
- feature/*: for new features
2. Staging to Production Workflow
- Deploy changes to a staging server first.
- Test thoroughly.
- Merge into main and deploy to production.
Many developers using cloud hosting Nepal services, such as Nest Nepal Cloud NVMe, set up separate subdomains (e.g., staging.example.com) for testing.
3. Use CI/CD Tools (Optional)
- Tools like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Bitbucket Pipelines can automate testing, linting, and deployment.
- Combine with FTP, SCP, or API-based deployment to your hosting server.
4. Use .gitignore Properly
Never track sensitive files like:
- wp-config.php
- .env
- node_modules/
- vendor/
Add them to your .gitignore file to avoid uploading private data to your repo.
Git Version Control Tips for Hosting in Nepal
If you’re using affordable web hosting Nepal plans that don’t support Git version control natively, you can still use Git locally and deploy manually using:
- FTP clients like FileZilla
- SCP or rsync via command line (for hosts with SSH)
- Third-party deployment tools like DeployHQ or Buddy.works
But if you’re serious about development efficiency, choose hosts like Nest Nepal, Babal Host, or Himalayan Host that support Git integration out of the box.
Best Practices for Git Hosting Setup
| Practice | Description |
| Use cPanel Git Integration | For easy setup on supported hosts |
| Automate with Git Hooks | Enable auto-deployment on push |
| Branch Strategically | Separate staging, dev, and production |
| Avoid Sensitive File Tracking | Protect secrets with .gitignore |
| Test Before Deploying | Always test on staging before pushing live |
| Choose Git-Friendly Hosts | Opt for providers like Nest Nepal or Gurkha Host |
Final Thoughts
Git Version Control isn’t just for developers; it’s a tool that safeguards your website, improves collaboration, and streamlines deployment. With Git support via cPanel and options beyond, Nepali hosting clients now have access to tools previously reserved for enterprise developers.
Whether you’re deploying a blog, managing a client’s site, or launching a new app, Git will make your work smarter, safer, and more efficient.
