Rewrite and htaccess: Differences and Considerations When Migrating from NGINX and Apache to ServBay

Background Information

Rewrite, also known as URL Rewrite, URL rewriting, or pseudo-static, is a dynamic URL rewriting technique. It is used to rewrite the URL requested by the user to another URL to achieve a more user-friendly URL structure, improve SEO performance, or simplify complex URL paths. This technique is widely used in web development to hide real file paths, achieve URL normalization, and enhance website security and maintainability. With URL rewriting, developers can create more readable and memorable URLs, enhancing user experience and search engine indexing efficiency.

NGINX and Apache Support

ServBay will soon support NGINX, so please pay attention to official announcements.

ServBay comes with the Caddy web server, known for its simple configuration and automatic HTTPS. ServBay is pre-configured with Rewrite rules, and users typically do not need to configure additional Rewrite rules. For most PHP frameworks and CMS systems, ServBay works out of the box without additional configuration. However, for users migrating from NGINX and Apache to Caddy, understanding some differences and considerations is very important. This article will detail these topics.

Important Reminder

ServBay is pre-configured with Rewrite rules, and users typically do not need to make any additional configurations. For most PHP frameworks and CMS systems, such as WordPress, Laravel, Symfony, ServBay works out of the box, without additional Rewrite rule configuration.

For more information on migration, please refer to

• How to Migrate NGINX Website to ServBay
• How to Migrate Apache Website to ServBay

Out-of-the-Box Rewrite Rules

ServBay's Caddy server is pre-configured with Rewrite rules, and users typically do not need to make any additional configurations. For most PHP frameworks and CMS systems, such as WordPress, Laravel, Symfony, ServBay works out of the box, without additional Rewrite rule configuration. If you are a user migrating from NGINX or Apache, please continue reading to learn more about the differences and considerations of Rewrite rules.

Introduction to Rewrite Rules

Rewrite rules are used to rewrite the requested URL to another URL, commonly for SEO optimization, URL beautification, and access control. Different web servers have different ways of configuring Rewrite rules.

Apache's htaccess

Apache uses the .htaccess file to configure Rewrite rules. The .htaccess file is usually placed in the root directory or a specific directory of the website and applies to that directory and its subdirectories.

Basic Usage

Here is a basic example of a .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On

# Redirect all requests to index.php
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ index.php [L]

NGINX Rewrite Rules

NGINX uses nginx.conf or site configuration files to configure Rewrite rules. Rewrite rules are usually placed in the server or location block.

Basic Usage

Here is a basic example of an NGINX configuration file:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name servbay.demo;

    location / {
        try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$query_string;
    }

    location ~ \.php$ {
        include fastcgi_params;
        fastcgi_pass unix:/Applications/ServBay/tmp/php-cgi.sock;
        fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
    }
}

Caddy Rewrite Rules

Caddy uses Caddyfile to configure Rewrite rules. Caddy's configuration file syntax is simple and readable.

Basic Usage

Here is a basic example of a Caddyfile:

servbay.demo {
    root * /Applications/ServBay/www/demo
    php_fastcgi unix//Applications/ServBay/tmp/php-cgi.sock
    file_server

    @notStatic {
        not {
            file {
                try_files {path} {path}/ /index.php?{query}
            }
        }
    }

    rewrite @notStatic /index.php
}

Migration Considerations

Migrating from Apache to Caddy

Please refer to the document How to Migrate Apache Website to ServBay

1. Rewrite Rules:

   • Apache's Rewrite rules are configured in .htaccess files, whereas Caddy's are configured in the Caddyfile.
   • Convert Apache's Rewrite rules to Caddy's Rewrite rules.

2. Directory Structure:

   • Apache's .htaccess files can be placed in any directory, whereas Caddy's Rewrite rules need to be in the Caddyfile.

3. Modules and Directives:

   • Apache has many modules and directives; Caddy has similar functionalities but with different configuration methods. Conversion based on Caddy's documentation is necessary.

Migrating from NGINX to Caddy

Please refer to the document How to Migrate NGINX Website to ServBay

1. Rewrite Rules:

   • NGINX's Rewrite rules are configured in nginx.conf or site configuration files, whereas Caddy's are configured in the Caddyfile.
   • Convert NGINX's Rewrite rules to Caddy's Rewrite rules.

2. Configuration File Structure:

   • NGINX's configuration file structure is relatively complex, whereas Caddy's Caddyfile structure is simple and intuitive.

3. Modules and Directives:

   • NGINX has many modules and directives; Caddy has similar functionalities but with different configuration methods. Conversion based on Caddy's documentation is necessary.

Summary

When migrating from Apache and NGINX to Caddy, it is important to note the differences in the configuration methods of Rewrite rules and the structure of configuration files. Caddy's configuration file syntax is simple and readable, and Rewrite rules are pre-configured, so users typically do not need additional configurations. Hopefully, this article helps you during the migration process.