There are two methods to test your website before switching DNS
1. Using a Redirection Service for Testing
2. Redirecting via System hosts File
Using a Redirection Service for Testing
SkipDNS.link allow you create a temporary URL. You can simply input the actual domain name of the site, the IP of the new host, and it will give you a URL to test.
Redirecting via System hosts File
The best way to test your website is by staging your domain via your computer system’s hosts file.
Windows Operation System
- Open Windows menu and type “Notepad”
- Right-click “Notepad” and select “Run as Administrator
- Open your system’s hosts file with location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
Note: If you don’t see anything in the etc folder, change “Text Documents” to “All Files” in Notepad. This will show everything in the folder including the hosts file. - Add following lines at bottom of the hosts file using your Xperts server IP and the website name
SERVER_IP_HERE example.com
SERVER_IP_HERE www.example.com - Click Save and restart the browser to open the website
Mac Operating System
- Click the F4 key to access launcher and Enter terminal
- open the hosts file with following command
sudo nano /private/etc/hosts - Give your macOS password and enter following lines at bottom of the hosts file using your Xperts server IP and the website name
SERVER_IP_HERE example.com
SERVER_IP_HERE www.example.com - Click Save and restart the browser to open the website
