Transitioning from WordPress to Jekyll on GitHub Pages

I recently embarked on a tech journey, moving my blog from WordPress hosted on a Digital Ocean droplet to using Jekyll on GitHub Pages. This wasn’t just a leap from one platform to another; it was a step towards simplification and efficiency after facing a significant hiccup.

The Original Setup with WordPress and Digital Ocean

Initially, my blog lived on WordPress, running on a Digital Ocean droplet. For those unfamiliar, WordPress is quite the powerhouse for website creation, offering a plethora of plugins and themes. My setup on a Digital Ocean droplet, a cloud-based virtual server, was pretty solid, with security updates and WordPress patches happening automatically. It was a robust setup, ensuring everything was up-to-date and secure without much manual intervention.

Why GitHub Pages and Jekyll Caught My Eye

Then, I discovered GitHub Pages and Jekyll. GitHub Pages offers a straightforward approach to hosting websites directly from a GitHub repository, eliminating the complexity of databases and server management. Jekyll, a static site generator, transforms plain text into static websites and blogs. This combination promised a hassle-free hosting solution, focusing on content rather than maintenance.

The Catalyst for Change: A System Failure

The motivation to switch was a system failure following a WordPress plugin update. My website suddenly became unresponsive, requiring a deep dive into troubleshooting. Considering the potential time sink, I opted for a simpler, more manageable solution.

Migrating Content: A Lesson in Backups

The migration was made possible by diligent backup practices. Using these backups, I was able to transfer my content to the new platform. This process highlighted the importance of regular backups and testing them to ensure they can be relied upon in emergencies.

A New Beginning on GitHub Pages

To our visitors, welcome to the revamped blog. This migration signifies more than just a change of platforms; it represents a shift towards a more streamlined and focused blogging experience. Here’s to a future where we can share insights without the overhead of complex site management.

Thank you for joining me on this new path.

This post was generated using AI assistance. ChatGPT is amazing!