Many website developers and administrators do not have deep understanding of what is .htaccess irrespective of the fact that it is most commonly used on the web servers. If you are looking for having a strong control over the permission of files, passwords, SEO, access to directories and error pages, then no other tool could be better than .htaccess. This article is going to explain what is .htaccess file and what can be done by using it.
What is .htaccess file?
.htaccess file is a document of server which is actually utilized for defining file permission or a directory. It also helps you in defining error messages and URL rules of rewrites. The usage of .htaccess is related with the exhibition of 404 error message when the users try to reach a URL which does not exist on the web.
In addition, this kind of file is used for improving the search engine optimization. The major responsibility of .htaccess it to use 301 redirects for guiding the search engines towards the new location of a URL or content. The usage of .htaccess is also related with the structure of permalink which dominates CMS such as WordPress.
What’s more, the .htaccess file is utilized for rewriting the URL. During the process of rewriting, it utilizes elements like time, tags, category, and date of the post and other useful information for generating some links that can be easily read with words instead of numbers. This way, the users get information regarding what URL is all about and what kind of content it contains.
What can be done with .htaccess file?
The file of .htaccess is considered relevant with the packages of web hosting which are created on the basis of Apache. It is commonly used for Apache 1.x and instances of Apache2.x too. The functioning and programming languages are same virtually between the iterations of this open source software of server. Here is a list of things which can be done by using .htaccess file on the web:
- This file helps in redirecting the old link to your website with the newly created link by using the 301 redirects.
- When you use .htaccess, you will be able to prevent your databases and files by having a good control over the passwords and permissions.
- You are also allowed to print an error of 404 for missing out a significant part of website’s operation and designing.
- It also helps you in creating new URLs and redirects.
