The .htaccess file is a configuration file used on Apache-based web servers to control various server behaviors, including URL redirects, access permissions, custom error pages, and security settings, on a per-directory basis.
For SEO purposes, .htaccess is commonly used to implement 301 redirects, force HTTPS, and configure caching rules, making it a frequently touched file during technical SEO work and site migrations.
Because incorrect .htaccess syntax can cause significant server errors or even take an entire site offline, changes should be made carefully, ideally with a backup of the original file kept before any edits.
We manage .htaccess configuration carefully within our Technical SEO service.