htaccess Configuration: A Beginner's Guide

What is .htaccess?

The .htaccess file is a configuration file for Apache web servers that lets you adjust server behavior.

Common Configurations

URL Redirects

Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page

Forcing HTTPS

Automatically send all visitors to the secure version.

Setting Up Caching

Configure browser caching for better performance.

Security

Disabling Directory Listing

Prevent visitors from viewing folder contents.

Protecting Files

Block access to sensitive files.

Be Careful

A mistake in .htaccess can take your entire site down. Always make a backup before making changes.

The Nginx Alternative

Nginx doesn't use .htaccess. Configuration happens in server blocks.