What is .htaccess in WordPress? (Explained with example)

.htaccess is the shortened version of “Hypertext Access,” and it is a configuration file used by the Apache Web Server software. It is a simple text file that can be used to alter the behavior of the Apache Web Server, allowing you to change how the server serves files, redirect users, and more.

The .htaccess file is placed in the root directory of a website and is typically used to control the behavior of the server on a per-directory basis. This means that the settings in the .htaccess file will apply only to the directory in which it is placed, as well as all subdirectories underneath it.

For example: if you want the folder to be accessible, you can write a configuration to apply that specifically to that folder.

Some common uses of the .htaccess file include:

1. Enabling or disabling the use of the mod_rewrite module, which is used to create search engine-friendly URLs.
2. Setting custom error pages for HTTP error codes, such as 404 (Not Found) and 500 (Internal Server Error).
3. Controlling access to specific directories or files by IP address or domain name.
4. Redirecting users to a different URL, either temporarily or permanently.

The .htaccess file is a powerful tool that can be used to customize the behavior of an Apache Web Server, and it is often used in website development to fine-tune the server’s behavior and improve the user experience.

Example:

1. WordPress is often configured with .htacess in root directory to control the above use case
2. Plugins like iTheme, and Wordfence use .htaccess to improve the security of a website by limiting access to specific IP addresses.

How is the usage of the .htaccess file in WordPress?

Protecting the WordPress installation from access by unauthorized users.

Enhancing the security of the WordPress installation by preventing access to sensitive files and directories.

Customizing the behavior of the server in a number of ways, such as enabling or disabling the mod_rewrite module, setting custom error pages, and more.

Enabling the use of permalinks, which are permanent URLs that are used to identify individual posts and pages on a WordPress site.

Redirecting users to a different URL, either temporarily or permanently.

Default WordPress.htaccess

# BEGIN WordPress

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

# END WordPress