Top 10 uses of .htaccess file

.htaccess is a configuration file used in Apache Web Server. Apache detects and executes the .htaccess file if found. .htaccess file can be used to enable/disable additional functionality of apache web server. This file affects the files and sub directories in the directory it is placed in.

Below are the top 10 usage of htaccess files

1) Security

.htaccess files are often used to provide security restriction for a particular directory. The .htpaswd file is used along with .htaccess file to password protect a directory.

2) Custom error pages

.htaccess files are used to show customized error pages when a server side error occurs.

3) URL rewriting

.htaccess files are used to rewrite longer URLs to shorter and SEO friendly URLs.

4) URL redirects

.htaccess also used to redirect users from one page to another.

5) Block users

This is useful when you want to block access to your website from a specific IP or restrict the admin area accessible only by your IP address.

6) DirectoryIndex

DirectoryIndex helps you specify the default file to display when that particular directory is accessed.

7) Directory listings

Disable directory listing if you want to prevent viewing of your directories. Alternatively you can enable the directory listing if it is disabled by default on the server.

8) Hotlink protection

You can prevent showing your website content and images in another website. This functionality requires ‘mod_rewrite’ to be enabled on your server.

9) Timezone

You can also set the web server timezone using the .htaccess file.

10) Display source code

You can display the source code of a script instead of executing using the .htaccess file.