Let’s first and foremost understand what is GitHub and what
it is used for, meaning of error 404 and the causes. Then we would discuss how
to fix the error 404 file not found on GitHub page.
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a web-based platform that provides hosting for
software development and version control using Git. It offers a variety of
features including:
Version Control:
GitHub allows developers to manage and track changes to their
codebase using Git, a distributed version control system. Developers can create
branches, commit changes, and merge code with ease.
Collaboration:
GitHub facilitates collaboration among developers by
providing tools for code review, issue tracking, and project management.
Multiple developers can work together on the same codebase simultaneously.
Hosting:
Developers can host their Git repositories on GitHub, making
it accessible to others and providing a centralized location for storing and
sharing code.
Community:
GitHub has a large community of developers from around the
world who contribute to open-source projects, share code snippets, and
collaborate on various software development projects.
Integration:
GitHub integrates with a wide range of third-party services
and tools, including continuous integration and deployment platforms, project
management tools, and code analysis tools.
Overall, GitHub is a valuable platform for software
development, enabling collaboration, version control, and project management in
a user-friendly and accessible way.
What is Error 404 and the
Causes?
A 404 error indicates that the server couldn't find the
requested resource (e.g., web page, file). Some common causes include:
Incorrect URL: If the URL is mistyped or points to a non-existent location,
it will result in a 404 error.
Moved or deleted content: If the content has been moved to a different location
or deleted from the server, attempting to access it will yield a 404 error.
Server misconfiguration: Issues with server configuration or
settings can also lead to 404 errors.
Broken links: Links pointing to pages or resources that no longer exist
will result in 404 errors when clicked.
Incomplete website migration: During website migration, if all
content isn't properly transferred, some pages may return 404 errors.
Permission issues: If the user doesn't
have permission to access the requested resource, a 404 error may occur.
What is 404 Error on a
GitHub Page and the Causes?
When encountering a 404 error on a GitHub page, it typically
means that the requested page or resource cannot be found within the repository
associated with the GitHub Pages site. Common causes include:
Incorrect file path: Ensure that the file you're trying to access is in the
correct directory within your GitHub repository.
Branch or commit not published: If you've made changes but haven't
committed and pushed them to the correct branch, the changes won't be reflected
on the GitHub Pages site.
GitHub Pages configuration: Double-check your GitHub Pages
settings in the repository's settings tab to ensure the correct source branch
and folder structure are specified.
File not included: If the file you're trying to access isn't included in your
repository or isn't named correctly, it won't be served by GitHub Pages.
Caching issues: Sometimes, caching problems can lead to 404 errors. Try
clearing your browser cache or accessing the page in an incognito/private browsing
window.
How do I fix the error 404 file not found on my GitHub page?
To fix a 404 error on your GitHub page, ensure that the file
or page you're trying to access exists in the correct location within your
repository.
Check for typos in the URL and ensure proper capitalization
if necessary. Also, verify that the file has been committed and pushed to your
GitHub repository.
By addressing these potential causes, you can troubleshoot
and resolve the 404 error on your GitHub Pages site.
Troubleshooting involves checking the URL for accuracy,
ensuring the content exists on the server, verifying server settings, fixing
broken links, and addressing any permission issues.
If everything seems correct, you may need to double-check
your repository settings, particularly the branch and folder structure
associated with your GitHub Pages site.