You Turn Me On, I'm [^Radio]!
My Girlfriend RegEx!
.htaccess
I am kind of assuming you have an .htaccess that has some stuff in it. Perhaps some redirect and redirectmatch rules. But now you want more and when you added your RewriteRule something didn't go quite right!So first some basics for the 101 absolute beginners class...
mod_rewrite 101
.htaccess is a file that goes in your document root. That is the place where your your first webpage is.
Some FTP programs will not see a file that starts with a dot. I use FileZilla to do my FTP work. If you have a .htaccess - DO NOT ERASE IT! We will just add more to it!
You will need a good Test Editor! Word Processors add a bunch of stuff you cannot see, don't use them. I like NotePad++, it runs under Wine on PC-BSD, FreeBSD, Linux, and WinDoze!
Before you use a RewriteRule you will need to turn mod_rewrite on. You can do this at any place in your .htaccess, however it must be before (above) the first RewriteRule. You di it this way...
RewriteEngine On
That is all I needed on my office server or on Pair Networks... However, you may have a server that requires more than a simple...
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
Some people like to do things the hard way. For them you may have to tell the server to begin at the document root. Just like any other URI, just tell the server to begin at the beginning (it is really quite simple! - Even Mary Poppins knew to start at the beginning! If you need it, use this...
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
Options +FollowSymLinks
Others just want to complicate matters with Symbolic Links (SlymLinks or SymLinks?). Honestly I have never used a hosting company that had Symbolic Links built into it. However, if you need it, use this...
Options +FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine On
Options +FollowSymLinks and RewriteBase /
All of the above! If you must do it, use this...
Options +FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
I'm (Not\ Sure|Confused|Totally\ Lost)
If you are really uncertain what to use, you can try this Nubie trick! Use All of the above! Like this...
Options +FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
Then when you get a rule running. Take them out one at a time (don't forget to save and reload - what I always forget!). If it works and when you remove a line it fails, add it back. Then you will find which lines you really need!
Ready for the Simple RewriteRule Rules!
RewriteRuleOk, now you are ready to click on and learn the Simple RewriteRule Rules! Learn these and the RewriteRule will go from Voo-Doo to Best Friend and maybe even Lover!