How to Utilize Git Version Control in cPanel (5 Minute Quick-Start Guide)

This guide walks cPanel users through setting up, managing, and deploying code using Git directly inside cPanel—without needing advanced server access. It’s ideal for websites, applications, and teams that want safe, repeatable deployments.

What Is Git Version Control in cPanel?

Git Version Control in cPanel provides a built-in interface for managing Git repositories on your hosting account. It allows you to:

• Track changes to files over time
• Roll back to previous versions if something breaks
• Collaborate with developers using remote repositories
• Deploy updates safely to your live website

cPanel’s Git feature supports both bare repositories (recommended for deployments) and non-bare repositories.

SEE ALSO: cPanel Shared Hosting Server Specs

When You Should Use Git in cPanel

Use Git Version Control if you:

• Maintain a website or web app that changes frequently
• Want safer updates than uploading files manually
• Work with developers or external Git providers
• Need version history and rollback capability

Avoid it if your site is rarely updated or managed entirely via the File Manager.

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How to Utilize Git Version Control in cPanel

1. Access Git Version Control

   1. Log in to your cPanel account
   2. Scroll to the Files section
   3. Click Git™ Version Control

   You’ll see a list of existing repositories (if any) and options to create or clone new ones.

2. Create or Clone a Repository

   1. Option A: Create a New Repository

      1. Click Create
      2. Choose a repository path, for example:

         repositories/mywebsite.git
         

      3. Check Bare Repository (recommended for production deployments)
      4. Click Create

      Bare repositories store only Git data and are ideal for deployment workflows.

   2. Option B: Clone an Existing Repository

      1. Click Clone
      2. Enter the repository URL (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.)
      3. Choose the local repository path
      4. Click Clone

      Ensure SSH keys are configured if the repository is private.

3. Set Up SSH Access (Recommended)

   To push code securely:

   1. Go to SSH Access in cPanel
   2. Generate a new SSH key (or upload an existing one)
   3. Authorize the key
   4. Add the public key to your Git provider

   This allows password-less Git pushes.

4. Configure Deployment (Critical Step)

   1. Open your repository in Git Version Control
   2. Click Manage
   3. Scroll to Deploy
   4. Set the deployment path, for example:

      public_html/
      

   5. Choose the branch (usually main or master)
   6. Click Update from Repository

   This copies files from Git into your live website directory.

5. Enable Automatic Deployment (Optional)

   You can enable automatic deployments so changes go live when you push code:

   1. Inside the repository manager, enable Automatic Deployment
   2. cPanel generates a deployment hook URL
   3. Add this URL as a webhook in your Git provider

   Now every push triggers a live update.

6. Working with Git Locally

   From your local machine:

   git clone ssh://username@yourdomain.com/home/username/repositories/mywebsite.git
   cd mywebsite
   git add .
   git commit -m "Update homepage layout"
   git push origin main
   

   Once pushed, cPanel deploys the changes to your site.

Common Best Practices

Use .gitignore

Exclude files like:

• config.php
• .env
• cache directories
• uploads (if managed via CMS)

Keep Secrets Out of Git

Never commit:

• Database passwords
• API keys
• License keys

Store them in environment files or server-side configs.

Test Before Deploying

Use:

• A staging directory
• A separate branch
• Manual deployment for major changes

Troubleshooting Tips

Git Version Control vs File Manager

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Final Thoughts

Git Version Control in cPanel brings professional-grade deployment workflows to shared hosting and VPS hosting environments. Once set up, it dramatically reduces deployment risk, improves collaboration, and saves time—especially for growing or frequently updated websites.

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