.htaccess
.htaccess is the per-directory configuration file used by Apache web servers (and compatible servers) to control URL rewriting, redirects, headers, authentication, and caching.
In context
On Apache-based stacks (still widely used in Canadian shared hosting and WordPress installs), .htaccess is where most SEO-critical server config lives: 301/302 redirect maps, www↔non-www canonicalisation, trailing-slash enforcement, custom headers for cache control, security headers, and bot blocks. Mistakes are dangerous — a malformed .htaccess can take a site offline. Test changes in staging first; on Nginx-based hosts the equivalent config lives in nginx.conf or Cloudflare Page Rules / Workers.
A Toronto agency takes over a WordPress site and replaces 14 conflicting redirect plugins with a single audited .htaccess redirect map — restoring crawl efficiency and removing dozens of redirect chains.
Have a question this didn't answer?
Book a free 60-minute strategy call. We'll explain how this concept applies to your specific situation.