---

Introduction

When it comes to deploying web applications, developers face a tough choice: which platform to use? With so many options available, it's easy to get lost in the jungle of possibilities. Here, I'll showcase three popular options: Vercel, Railway, and Fly.io. Each has its own characteristics and advantages, and we'll compare them honestly and objectively.

---

Vercel: SPA + serverless

Vercel is a deployment platform that focuses on modern web applications, especially those built with React, Next.js, and other cutting-edge technologies. With Vercel, you can deploy your web applications quickly and easily, without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. Additionally, Vercel offers support for serverless, which means you only pay for the execution time of your application, and not for a dedicated server.

An example of how to use Vercel is to create a Next.js project and deploy it using the command vercel build && vercel deploy. This will compile your project and deploy it to the Vercel platform.

---

Railway: affordable containers

Railway is a deployment platform that focuses on Docker containers. With Railway, you can create and deploy containers easily and quickly, without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. Additionally, Railway offers very competitive pricing, especially for small applications.

An example of how to use Railway is to create a Dockerfile for your project and deploy it using the command railway login && railway init && railway deploy. This will create a container for your project and deploy it on the Railway platform.

Fly.io: edge global

Fly.io is a deployment platform that focuses on global web applications. With Fly.io, you can deploy your web applications in multiple locations around the world, which means your users can access your application quickly and efficiently, regardless of where they are. Additionally, Fly.io offers support for edge computing, which means you can run code in locations close to your users.

An example of how to use Fly.io is to create a React project and deploy it using the command fly init && fly deploy. This will create a global web application and deploy it on the Fly.io platform.

---

Real Price: Comparison

Now that we know the three platforms, let's compare the prices. Vercel offers a free plan for small applications, and prices start at $20 per month for larger applications. Railway offers very competitive prices, with plans starting at $5 per month. Fly.io offers a free plan for small applications, and prices start at $25 per month for larger applications.

---

When to use each

Now that we know the characteristics and prices of the three platforms, let's discuss when to use each one. Vercel is a good choice for modern web applications that require serverless and scalable infrastructure. Railway is a good choice for applications that require Docker containers and competitive pricing. Fly.io is a good choice for global web applications that require edge computing and scalable infrastructure.

---

Gotchas

As with any deployment platform, there are gotchas that you need to be aware of. Vercel may have compatibility issues with certain libraries or frameworks. Railway may have performance issues with very large applications. Fly.io may have configuration issues with complex applications.

---

Conclusion

In summary, the three deployment platforms have their own characteristics and advantages. Vercel is a good choice for modern web applications that require serverless and scalable infrastructure. Railway is a good choice for applications that require Docker containers and competitive pricing. Fly.io is a good choice for global web applications that require edge computing and scalable infrastructure.

Practical takeaways:

• Vercel is a good choice for modern web applications that require serverless and scalable infrastructure.
• Railway is a good choice for applications that require Docker containers and competitive pricing.
• Fly.io is a good choice for global web applications that require edge computing and scalable infrastructure.
• It is essential to consider the prices and characteristics of each platform before making a choice.
• It is crucial to be aware of the pitfalls of each platform and plan accordingly.

---