Vercel for Vibe 101

What this is

This is the Vibe 101 checkpoint for making your GitHub project live on the internet.

Use the full Vercel reference if you need deeper explanation.

Why it matters

For Vibe 101, deployment is part of finishing.

A public URL proves the project works outside localhost and can be shared with other people.

What to do

Step 1 — Check GitHub first

Before opening Vercel, confirm:

My latest code is pushed to GitHub.
I can see package.json in the GitHub repository.
Localhost worked before I pushed.

If any of these are false, go back to GitHub Checkpoint.

Step 2 — Do these manually in the browser

These steps need you, not the AI agent:

1. Open vercel.com.
2. Log in with GitHub.
3. Click Add New or New Project.
4. Choose Import Git Repository.
5. Select the repository for this project.
6. If Vercel asks for GitHub access, approve access to this repository.
7. Keep the detected framework settings.
8. Click Deploy.

Do not paste Vercel tokens, GitHub tokens, or private keys into AI chat.

Step 3 — Wait for the build

Vercel will install dependencies, build the project, and create a live URL.

If the build succeeds, open the live URL.

If the build fails, do not keep clicking deploy. Copy the build error and use the prompt below.

Step 4 — Test the live site

Open the live URL and check:

1. The homepage loads.
2. The first visible section still looks correct.
3. Links and buttons still work.
4. The site looks readable on mobile width.
5. The live URL is the one you will share.

Use the finish rule:

If it is not live and checked, it is not finished.

What AI can help with

AI can help you:

• check whether the repo has the right files
• explain a Vercel build error
• suggest the smallest code fix
• tell you what to test on the live URL
• prepare a short project summary after deployment

AI should not log in for you, approve GitHub access for you, or handle secrets.

If the Vercel build fails

Use this prompt:

My Vercel deployment failed.

GitHub repository:
[paste repo link]

Build error:
[paste exact Vercel build error]

What worked before:
Localhost worked at http://localhost:3000 before I pushed.

Help me identify the smallest fix.
Do not ask for tokens, passwords, private keys, or environment secrets.

After AI suggests a fix, make the fix locally, test localhost again, push to GitHub, and let Vercel redeploy.

Common mistakes

• Selecting the wrong GitHub repository.
• Deploying before localhost works.
• Ignoring build errors and clicking deploy again.
• Changing framework settings without understanding why.
• Sharing the live URL before checking it yourself.
• Thinking AI can complete browser login or account permission steps for you.