Using Git™ Version Control in cPanel – The Complete Guide

Whether you’re managing a personal project, developing a web application, or deploying code for a client, using version control is essential for modern software development. Git, the world’s most popular version control system, helps developers manage code changes, collaborate with others, and roll back when things go wrong.

For developers hosting their projects on Govaio.com, cPanel’s built-in Git™ Version Control interface provides a powerful, easy-to-use way to create, manage, and deploy Git repositories — without needing command-line access.

This article is written exclusively for Govaio.com users, and includes:

  • What Git™ Version Control in cPanel does
  • How to create and clone repositories
  • How to manage deployment from Git
  • Use cases and best practices
  • Common problems and solutions

What is Git™ Version Control in cPanel?

Git™ Version Control in cPanel allows you to host Git repositories directly from your hosting account. This feature enables you to:

  • Create new repositories or clone existing ones (e.g., from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket)
  • Deploy websites and applications from Git repositories
  • View and manage branches
  • Maintain a full version history of your code

🛠️ Whether you’re working solo or with a team, Git makes managing website code simpler, safer, and more flexible.

Why Govaio.com Supports Git in cPanel

At Govaio.com, we recognize that today’s developers need modern workflows. With Git Version Control in cPanel, you can:

  • Push code changes to production with minimal downtime
  • Avoid FTP for uploading and syncing files
  • Roll back easily if updates break the site

Keep your code organized and versioned

💡 This feature is especially useful for WordPress theme/plugin developers, Laravel apps, static websites, and Node.js projects (in supported environments).

How to Access Git Version Control in cPanel

Step 1: Login to cPanel

Log in to your Govaio.com hosting account and click “Login to cPanel.”

Step 2: Locate the Git™ Version Control Interface

Under the FILES or ADVANCED section, click on “Git™ Version Control.”

Creating or Cloning a Git Repository

Once inside the Git interface, you can choose to either:

  • Create a New Repository (to push code from your local machine)
  • Clone an Existing Repository (from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.)

Option 1: Create a New Git Repository

Use this option if you want to develop locally and push your changes to your server.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Click Create
  2. Choose a repository path (e.g., /home/youruser/public_html/myproject)
  3. Enter a repository name (e.g., myproject.git)
  4. Select whether the repo should be private or public
  5. Click Create
  6. After creation, cPanel will display the Git repository path and information for remote access.

Next Steps:

On your local machine, run:

  • git remote add production ssh://yourcpaneluser@yourdomain.com/home/yourcpaneluser/public_html/myproject git push production master

Option 2: Clone an Existing Repository

If your project already exists on GitHub, GitLab, or another Git server, use this option to deploy it on your hosting.

Step-by-Step:

  • Click Create
  • In the Clone URL field, paste your repository’s HTTPS or SSH URL (e.g., https://github.com/user/repo.git)
  • Choose the repository path (target directory on server)
  • Confirm by clicking Create

🔐 Note: For private repos, make sure to configure SSH keys or Personal Access Tokens (PATs) as needed.

Managing Your Repository

After you create or clone a repository, it will appear in your Git list in cPanel.

View Repository Details

  • Click the repo name to:
  • See current branch
  • View clone URL
  • Check deployment path
  • See commit logs

Pull Updates

If you’ve made changes in GitHub (or remote repo), click Pull or Deploy to sync them.

Automatic Deployment from Git

Govaio.com supports automatic deployment from a Git repository using Post-Receive Hooks.

How to Enable Automatic Deployment:

  • Click on your repository from the Git interface.
  • Under Deployment Settings, choose:
  • Update working tree on push → Enabled
  • This will configure a Git hook so that every time you push to the repo, cPanel automatically updates the files on your live site.
  • 🛠️ Common Use Case: You push an update to GitHub, and your Govaio-hosted website instantly updates — no need to FTP files manually.

Real-World Use Cases for Govaio.com Users

✅ Use Case 1: WordPress Theme Development

You’re creating a custom WordPress theme. Keep the theme folder as a Git repo. Push from your local machine and auto-deploy to the wp-content/themes/ directory.

✅ Use Case 2: Laravel or PHP Application

Develop locally, then push your app to your Govaio.com account via Git. Create deployment hooks for smooth CI/CD.

✅ Use Case 3: Website Backup & Versioning

Track changes in HTML/CSS/JS files and roll back to a stable version if needed.

Common Problems and Solutions

ProblemCauseSolution
Permission Denied (SSH)SSH keys not setGenerate SSH key in cPanel and add to GitHub
Repo cloned but site not updatingAuto-deployment not enabledEnable “Update Working Tree on Push”
Merge conflicts on pushChanges exist on serverPull first, resolve conflicts, then push
Invalid pathIncorrect repo locationUse /home/user/public_html/project or similar

Pro Tips for Using Git with Govaio.com

  • 🔒 Secure Your Repos: Use private repos when working on sensitive or proprietary projects.
  • 🎯 Isolate Deployment: Avoid deploying directly to public_html. Use a subfolder like /site-live and update symlinks if needed.
  • 🧪 Test Before Push: Always test locally before pushing code to production.
  • 📁 Organize Repos: Keep each project in its own repo to avoid file collisions.
  • 🧩 Use .gitignore: Exclude files/folders like cache, logs, .env, etc.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

  • Some shared hosting environments may limit Git functionality (e.g., no SSH shell).
  • Auto deployment is basic — for full CI/CD pipelines, consider using tools like GitHub Actions with SFTP deployment.
  • Git support may vary based on plan. Govaio.com recommends Business Hosting or higher for Git-powered workflows.

 

The Git™ Version Control interface in cPanel is an essential tool for developers, freelancers, and advanced users on Govaio.com. It brings the power of Git into your hosting environment, allowing you to manage code changes, automate deployments, and maintain a clean, versioned history of your projects.

Whether you're pushing updates to a blog, launching a Laravel app, or building a client site, Git saves time, prevents errors, and streamlines teamwork.

🔐 This guide is written exclusively for Govaio.com users to empower you with modern version control best practices inside your hosting panel.