Netlify is the reference platform for automated deployment of websites and front-end applications. Connected directly to your Git repository, it triggers a build and deployment with each push, generating a unique preview URL per branch. The global CDN ensures optimal loading times everywhere in the world. Serverless functions and edge functions allow adding back-end logic without managing servers. The free plan is generous: 100 GB bandwidth, SSL, custom domains and unlimited previews — ideal for open source projects and independent developers.
What is Netlify?
The essentials
Netlify is a web deployment platform that connects your Git repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) directly to an automated build and deployment pipeline. Each push triggers a build and publishes the result to a global CDN, with a unique URL per branch for previews. It also integrates serverless functions for light back-end logic, edge functions for execution closest to the user, and tools for form management, analytics and access control.
Key features
Netlify is built on an ecosystem of features designed for modern development teams. Git-native CI/CD is the platform’s core: each commit automatically triggers a build and deployment, without complex configuration. Deploy Previews generate a unique and accessible URL for each pull request, allowing teams to test changes in an environment identical to production before merging.The global CDN distributes static assets from dozens of points of presence to ensure optimal loading times everywhere in the world. Serverless functions allow adding back-end logic (API, authentication, forms) without managing servers. Edge functions execute even closer to the user for maximum performance.Instant rollbacks allow returning in one click to any previous version of the site. Netlify also integrates form management, A/B split tests, and password-protected access for staging environments.
Use cases
Netlify is the tool of choice for deploying Next.js, Gatsby, Nuxt or SvelteKit sites to production. Web agencies use it to manage dozens of client projects with distinct deployment previews for each client. Product teams use it for A/B testing on landing pages. Open source developers host their projects on the free plan. Startups adopt it to iterate quickly in production with secure rollbacks.
Advantages
Complete deployment automation significantly reduces time spent on infrastructure tasks and decreases the risk of manual errors. Deploy Previews improve collaboration between developers, designers and product managers by giving everyone access to a testable version of work in progress. The generous free plan allows projects to start at no cost, and scaling is progressive. Instant rollbacks provide essential security in production.
Pricing
Netlify offers four plans. The Starter plan is completely free with 100 GB bandwidth, 300 build minutes, SSL, custom domains and unlimited previews. The Pro plan at $19/member/month (or $15/month annually) offers 400 GB bandwidth, 1,000 build minutes, password-protected sites and analytics. Business and Enterprise plans are quoted, with guaranteed SLAs and dedicated support.
Conclusion
Netlify remains in 2026 the de facto standard for modern front-end deployment. Its ease of use, generous free plan and collaboration features make it a natural choice for teams of all sizes. For high-traffic projects, you’ll need to anticipate variable costs, but for the vast majority of web projects, Netlify offers an unbeatable price-to-quality ratio.