If you have ever configured the apache web server, then you will realize the important part played by the .htaccess file. This file is especially used by people who make use of a shared web host provider to host their sites.
Some of the uses of .htaccess file that I can think of are :
- Redirecting the visitor automatically to the new location of the web page.
- Providing a 301 redirect [moved permanently] to search engine spiders.
- Setting up a username and password to access a part of or whole of your website.
- Restricting access to your website for all visitors originating from a particular IP address or IP range.
... and so on and so forth.
I have always found editing the .htaccess file as bit of a black art. Mainly because mastering the regular expressions involved to accomplish tasks takes a bit of practice and some hits and misses before you get the desired results.
Fig: The online .htaccess editorNow here is a very nice find. An online .htaccess editor which will hand hold you in creating your own custom made .htaccess file. All you have to do is click on your desired options such as whether to allow or deny access to all files, basic authentication, the redirect directives and so on.
