How do I upload my website?

What methods can I use to upload my website?

Uploading a website is the process of uploading of files, either HTML, DHTML, PHP, XML or CSS, to a server so that it can be displayed in the internet and be accessible worldwide. To upload means that the files are to be transmitted from your computer to the server. Basically, uploading files into a website is synonymous with getting the website ready to go public and be accessed by web users.
Presently, there are two common methods that people use to upload their files into the server; through the use of a File Manager which is often provided for free by the hosting provider, and through the use of FT programs.
Uploading files via File Manager is a bit easier though a lot slower compared to FTP programs because most file manager programs do not support the feature of uploading a batch of files together. FTP programs on the hand, supports a copy-paste and drag-and-drop feature that allows for the faster transfer of files into the server though it requires a bit of technical know-how.

What should I do to upload my files through the File Manager?

Uploading files via the File Manager or any similar utility is easy but time consuming. This utility is usually provided by the hosting company and can be located in the Control Panel. To upload files, you need to do the following:

  •  First, you need to login to your Control Panel, most likely the cPanel, which is the typical panel provided by hosting companies.
  •  Next, look for the File Manager icon and select it by clicking. Clicking it should bring you to a new window which displays the directories of your web hosting account.
  •  Remember that your task is to upload all your website files to your root directory which usually takes the name public_html. It is important that all your website files should reside in the document root directory.
  •  Clicking on the directory name gives you a set of links that gives you the option to delete, rename, change permission, or copy the folder.
  •  To view the contents of the directory, simply click on the folder icon found in front of the directory name.
  •  Click on the document root directory of your webhost so that you will see the contents of the root directory. It is important to remember that you need to migrate the files first before the files can be transferred to a particular directory. For this particular discussion, it is assumed that you have already migrated the files to your root directory.
  •  Once the root directory folder is opened, you should see an arrow pointing upward with the link “Upload file(s)” among the choices.
  •  To upload the files, click the “Upload file(s)” link. Clicking it should give you a form which you can use to select files from your system and then upload them to your hosting server. After making the selection, click the “Upload” link on the bottom left of the form and you should have your files uploaded to your server in a few minutes.

What are the steps in uploading a website via FTP?

Uploading files through FTP requires a bit of technical know-how but allows you to upload your website quickly. The following are the steps to follow in uploading a website via FTP:

  •  First, check with your chosen provider if they support FTP. Then download the FTP application to your computer, if you don’t have one already.
  •  Install the FTP application into your computer by following on-screen instructions. You may need to ask for information from your host such as the FTP name. Other providers also have specifics on where and how to save your website files.
  •  Next, connect to the web server using your FTP application by entering the username, password and server information, all of which are provided by the host.
  •  Open the FTP client on your computer. If the FTP client displays 2 windows, called the FTP transfer, simply drag files from the window containing your computer’s files and drop them to the other window displaying the server’s files. If it uses the FTP upload, create a folder on the right pane for your files and then select your files from the left pane and click upload.
  •  Lastly, check to ensure that your files are loaded properly through your web browser. If not, repeat the whole process.

What is the best way to upload my website files to my server?

At the end of the day, the choice of the best way to upload your website files to your webhost boils down to your own preference and familiarity with the process. For one, if you do not want to go through the hassle of downloading and installing an FTP account into your system and is contented with what your service provider gives you, then the File Manager would be more than enough for your needs. However, if uploading files into the net is your chosen profession, where you need to quickly upload a number of files on a regular basis, then uploading files via FTP is best recommended for you.