Introduction

In this tutorial, we will activate and learn how to manage URL rewrites using Apache2’s mod_rewritemodule. This tool allows us to rewrite URLs in a cleaner fashion, translating human-readable paths into code-friendly query strings.

This guide is split into two halves: the first sets up a sample web application and the second explains commonly-used rewrite rules.

Step 1 — Installing Apache

In this step, we will use a built-in package installer called apt-get. It simplifies management drastically and facilitates a clean installation.

First, update the system’s package index. This will ensure that old or outdated packages do not interfere with the installation.

• sudo apt-get update

Apache2 is the aforementioned HTTP server and the world’s most commonly used. To install it, run the following:

• sudo apt-get install apache2

For information on the differences between Nginx and Apache2, the two most popular open-source web servers, see this article.

Step 2 — Enabling mod_rewrite

Now, we need to activate mod_rewrite.

• sudo a2enmod rewrite

This will activate the module or alert you that the module is already in effect. To put these changes into effect, restart Apache.

• sudo service apache2 restart

Step 3 — Setting Up .htaccess

In this section, we will setup a .htaccess file for simpler rewrite rule management.

A .htaccess file allows us to modify our rewrite rules without accessing server configuration files. For this reason, .htaccess is critical to your web application’s security. The period that precedes the filename ensures that the file is hidden.

We will need to set up and secure a few more settings before we can begin.

First, allow changes in the .htaccess file. Open the default Apache configuration file using nano or your favorite text editor.

• sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-enabled/000-default.conf

Inside that file, you will find the <VirtualHost *:80> block on line 1. Inside of that block, add the following block:

<Directory /var/www/html>
                Options Indexes FollowSymLinks MultiViews
                AllowOverride All
                Order allow,deny
                allow from all
</Directory>

Your file should now match the following. Make sure that all blocks are properly indented.

<VirtualHost *:80>
    <Directory /var/www/html>

        . . .

    </Directory>

    . . .
</VirtualHost>

To put these changes into effect, restart Apache.

• sudo service apache2 restart

Now, create the .htaccess file.

• sudo nano /var/www/html/.htaccess

Add this first line at the top of the new file to activate the RewriteEngine.

RewriteEngine on

Save and exit the file.

To ensure that other users may only read your .htaccess, run the following command to update permissions.

• sudo chmod 644 /var/www/html/.htaccess

You now have an operational .htaccess file, to govern your web application’s routing rules.

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-set-up-mod_rewrite-for-apache-on-ubuntu-14-04