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Netlify

/net-lih-fye/noun

Filed underGeneralInfrastructureFront End

In brief · quick answer

Netlify is a cloud platform that combines hosting, serverless backend, and CI/CD into one workflow. It popularized the Jamstack architecture and is known for its atomic deploys and Git-based workflow.

§ 1 Definition

Netlify is a cloud hosting platform designed for modern web projects, particularly static sites and Jamstack applications. It pioneered the Git-based deployment workflow where every push triggers a build, and every pull request gets a unique preview URL. Netlify's platform includes a global CDN, serverless functions for backend logic, form handling without a server, split testing for A/B experiments, and identity/authentication services. Deploys are atomic, meaning your site is never in a broken half-uploaded state. Netlify acquired the Jamstack naming and has been a major force in moving web development toward pre-rendered, CDN-delivered architectures.

§ 2 Atomic Deploys and Git Integration

Netlify enforces atomic deploys: you always upload a complete new version of your site; no file-by-file updates. The new version goes live instantly only after all files are verified. If your build fails, the old version stays up. Combined with Git integration, every branch and pull request gets a Deploy Preview URL, letting teams review changes before merging. No FTP, no partial uploads, no inconsistent state.

§ 3 Serverless and Edge Functions

Netlify Functions let you run server-side code without managing infrastructure. Write a JavaScript/TypeScript file in the netlify/functions directory, and Netlify deploys it as a serverless endpoint. Edge Functions run on Deno at the CDN edge for even lower latency. Together, they handle API calls, form processing, authentication, and dynamic content without a traditional server.

§ 4 Netlify vs Vercel

Both platforms are similar, but the differences matter. Netlify has stronger form handling and split testing built in. Vercel has deeper Next.js integration and Edge Functions with V8 isolates. Netlify supports any static site generator out of the box; Vercel is more framework-aware. Both are excellent. Choose based on your framework and which developer experience you prefer.

§ 5 Note

Netlify's free tier includes 100GB bandwidth and 300 build minutes per month. The Pro plan starts at $19 per month per member.

§ 6 In code

```toml
# netlify.toml configuration
[build]
  command = "npm run build"
  publish = "dist"

[build.environment]
  NODE_VERSION = "20"

[[redirects]]
  from = "/api/*"
  to = "/.netlify/functions/:splat"
  status = 200

[[headers]]
  for = "/*"
    [headers.values]
      X-Frame-Options = "DENY"
```

§ 7 Common questions

Q. Is Netlify just for static sites?: A. No. Netlify is best known for static sites, but serverless functions, edge functions, and form handling let you build dynamic applications without a traditional server.
Q. Can I use Netlify with a WordPress backend?: A. Yes. Many teams use Netlify to host the frontend while WordPress runs as a headless CMS on the backend, fetching content via the WordPress REST API.

Key takeaways

Netlify pioneered Git-based, atomic deploys with automatic preview URLs for every branch.
Serverless Functions and Edge Functions add backend capabilities without managing servers.
Deploys are atomic: your site is never in a broken state during upload.
Excellent for Jamstack, static sites, and frontend-heavy projects.

How Atomic Glue helps

We build and deploy sites on Netlify with automated CI/CD pipelines, serverless backends, and preview environments. Contact us to discuss your project.

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# Netlify

Category: General (also: Infrastructure, Front End)

Author: Atomic Glue Editorial Team

## Definition

Netlify is a cloud hosting platform designed for modern web projects, particularly static sites and Jamstack applications. It pioneered the Git-based deployment workflow where every push triggers a build, and every pull request gets a unique preview URL. Netlify's platform includes a global [CDN](/glossary/content-delivery-network-cdn), serverless functions for backend logic, form handling without a server, split testing for A/B experiments, and identity/authentication services. Deploys are atomic, meaning your site is never in a broken half-uploaded state. Netlify acquired the Jamstack naming and has been a major force in moving web development toward pre-rendered, CDN-delivered architectures.

## Atomic Deploys and Git Integration

## Serverless and Edge Functions

## Netlify vs Vercel

## Note

Netlify's free tier includes 100GB bandwidth and 300 build minutes per month. The Pro plan starts at $19 per month per member.

## In code

## Common questions
Q: Is Netlify just for static sites?
A: No. Netlify is best known for static sites, but serverless functions, edge functions, and form handling let you build dynamic applications without a traditional server.
Q: Can I use Netlify with a WordPress backend?
A: Yes. Many teams use Netlify to host the frontend while WordPress runs as a headless CMS on the backend, fetching content via the WordPress REST API.

## Key takeaways

Netlify pioneered Git-based, atomic deploys with automatic preview URLs for every branch.
Serverless Functions and Edge Functions add backend capabilities without managing servers.
Deploys are atomic: your site is never in a broken state during upload.
Excellent for Jamstack, static sites, and frontend-heavy projects.

## Related entries

Last updated July 2026. Permalink: atomicglue.co/glossary/netlify