gitlab-org / coming-soon

Static Website Development

Overview

This project, located at https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/coming-soon/, aims to build a static website used to inform visitors about the upcoming launch of a product or service. The website will likely be built using HTML, CSS, and potentially JavaScript for basic interactivity.

Development Structure

The structure of the project will likely follow a common static website development pattern:

  • HTML Files: These files define the structure and content of the website. They will include elements like headings, paragraphs, images, and links.
  • CSS Files: These files control the visual appearance of the website, including layout, colors, fonts, and spacing.
  • JavaScript Files (Optional): These files add interactivity to the website, such as form submissions, animations, and dynamic content updates.

Template Options

The following are common template options for static websites:

  • Basic HTML Template:

    <!DOCTYPE html>
          <html lang="en">
          <head>
              <meta charset="UTF-8">
              <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
              <title>Coming Soon</title>
              <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
          </head>
          <body>
              <h1>Coming Soon</h1>
              <p>We are currently working on something amazing. Stay tuned!</p>
          </body>
          </html>

  • Using a CSS Framework:

    <!DOCTYPE html>
          <html lang="en">
          <head>
              <meta charset="UTF-8">
              <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
              <title>Coming Soon</title>
              <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css">
          </head>
          <body>
              <div class="container">
                  <h1>Coming Soon</h1>
                  <p>We are currently working on something amazing. Stay tuned!</p>
              </div>
          </body>
          </html>

  • Using a Static Site Generator:

    // index.js (using Next.js)
          import Head from 'next/head';
          
          export default function Home() {
            return (
              <div className="container">
                <Head>
                  <title>Coming Soon</title>
                </Head>
                <h1>Coming Soon</h1>
                <p>We are currently working on something amazing. Stay tuned!</p>
              </div>
            );
          }

Content Management

For managing website content, consider these options:

  • Simple Text Files: Content can be stored in text files (e.g., Markdown) and included in HTML files using server-side includes or client-side scripting.
  • Static Site Generators: These tools allow you to write content in formats like Markdown and generate static HTML files.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): While not typically used for static websites, some CMSs can be configured to generate static content.

Deployment Options

Deploying the website can be done using:

  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Transfer HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to a web server.
  • Git Hosting Services: Use services like GitLab Pages or GitHub Pages to deploy static websites directly from repositories.
  • Cloud Hosting Providers: Deploy the website as a static website application using services like AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage.

Security Considerations

Security is crucial for any website. Here are some considerations:

  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Prevention: Sanitize user input to prevent malicious scripts from being injected.
  • HTTPS (SSL/TLS): Ensure the website uses HTTPS to encrypt communication between the server and the client.
  • Regular Security Updates: Keep all software components (e.g., web server, database) up to date with security patches.

Example Project Structure

└── public
              ├── index.html
              └── css
                  └── style.css

Resources

Best Practices

  • Use a Consistent Coding Style: Follow a consistent coding style to improve code readability and maintainability.
  • Test Thoroughly: Test the website thoroughly in different browsers and devices to ensure it functions correctly.
  • Document Your Code: Write clear and concise comments to explain the purpose of your code.
  • Use Version Control: Use version control (e.g., Git) to track changes and collaborate effectively.

Development Environment

The development environment should include:

  • Text Editor or IDE: Choose a text editor or IDE that supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Web Browser: Use a modern web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to test the website.
  • Development Tools: Use developer tools included in web browsers to debug and analyze website performance.

Collaboration

  • Use Git for version control: This allows you to track changes, collaborate with others, and easily revert to previous versions if needed.
  • Communication Tools: Consider using communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team discussions and issue tracking.

Conclusion

Building a static website can be a relatively straightforward process. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this document, you can create a high-quality and secure website to inform visitors about your upcoming product or service.