Deploying a custom GitHub branch on Vercel involves the following steps:
1. Connect GitHub and Vercel accounts
First, ensure your Vercel account is linked to your GitHub account via the Vercel Dashboard:
- Log in to Vercel.
- Navigate to Settings > Git Integration.
- Click 'Connect GitHub' and follow the instructions to link your accounts.
2. Import the project
After connecting your accounts, import your GitHub repository into Vercel:
- In the Vercel Dashboard, click 'New Project'.
- Select your GitHub account and locate the repository you wish to deploy.
- Click 'Import'.
3. Select a custom branch
During import, Vercel will prompt you to choose the branch for building and deploying:
- Vercel defaults to the
mainormasterbranch. - To deploy a different branch, manually select it.
- After confirming the branch, click 'Deploy'.
4. Configure and deploy
- Before deployment, configure environment variables and other settings to ensure the application runs correctly.
- After configuration, verify everything is correct, then click 'Deploy'.
5. Manage deployments
- Post-deployment, monitor status and access the application URL in the Vercel Dashboard.
- To manage or redeploy other branches, return to project settings and select a new branch.
Example:
Suppose you have a repository named example-app with a develop branch that you want to deploy on Vercel. Following the steps above, first link GitHub to your Vercel account, import the example-app project, select the develop branch for deployment, and configure necessary settings. Finally, verify the deployment status to confirm everything is functioning properly.
This method allows flexible deployment of any specific branch to Vercel, making it ideal for testing and previewing projects at various development stages.