It is short for hypertext access, and the name reflects the file’s original function, which is to allow access control by directory in a hypertext content context, such as Web pages. Let’s talk about .htaccess, a tool that may be little known to the uninitiated, but can make all the difference in managing and optimizing a website. Among its functions, in fact, is to manage and manipulate server behavior without having to access global configuration files, a power that can also be exploited to set redirects. Let’s get right to the discovery of what the .htaccess file is, what it is used for, what its practical applications are, and its potential impact on SEO.
What is the .htaccess file
The .htaccess file is a configuration file supported by several web servers, which allows you to specify directory-level rules and settings.
These configurations can cover URL redirect management, URL shortening, access control for different web pages and files, customization of error pages, and other crucial adjustments for website management.