Question 1

How to force HTTPS using .htaccess?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'Force HTTPS' snippet with mod_rewrite: it checks if HTTPS is off and redirects to HTTPS, and includes optional HSTS headers for added security. Ensure mod_rewrite is enabled on your server.

Question 2

What's the best way to block image hotlinking in Apache?

Accepted Answer

The 'Disable Image Hotlinking' snippet uses mod_rewrite to deny access to images unless the referrer is your own domain. You can customize it to show a blocked banner or allow specific domains.

Question 3

.htaccess vs httpd.conf: which is better for performance?

Accepted Answer

httpd.conf is better for performance because .htaccess files are processed per request, adding overhead. The README recommends using the main config when possible, but .htaccess is useful for shared hosting without server access.

Question 4

How to serve WebP images with .htaccess?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'Serve WebP/AVIF Images' snippet: it checks if the browser supports modern formats and serves AVIF or WebP if available, falling back to JPEG/PNG. Requires mod_rewrite and corresponding image files.

Question 5

Can I use .htaccess to switch PHP versions on shared hosting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the 'Switch to Another PHP Version' snippet uses AddHandler or AddType directives to specify a PHP version, like php84. This is common on shared hosts with multiple PHP installations.

Question 6

What are common .htaccess mistakes to avoid?

Accepted Answer

Avoid enabling directory browsing with 'Options All Indexes', missing mod_rewrite conditions, or using outdated Apache 2.2 snippets on 2.4. Always test snippets in a staging environment first.

Question 7

Does .htaccess work on all Apache servers?

Accepted Answer

It works if .htaccess files are allowed in the server config (via AllowOverride), but some hosts restrict this. Also, ensure required modules like mod_rewrite are enabled, as noted in the snippets.

Useful .htaccess Snippets

What is Useful .htaccess Snippets?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions