In web development, clean and user-friendly URLs are essential for both SEO and user experience. How to remove php extension from URL can make them look more professional and easier to remember. This article will guide you through the steps to achieve this.
Why Remove the .php Extension?
.
- SEO Benefits Search engines prefer clean URLs. A URL without the .php extension looks more professional and can improve your site’s ranking.
- User Experience: Clean URLs are easier to read and remember, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Security: Hiding the .php extension can add a layer of protection by obscuring the technology stack you’re using.
How to remove php extension from URL?
The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used on Apache servers to control various aspects of your website’s behavior. Follow these steps how to remove php extension from url using .htaccess:
- Locate Your .htaccess File: This file is usually in your website’s root directory. If it doesn’t exist, you can create one.
- Edit the .htaccess File: Open the .htaccess file in a text editor and add the following code:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^([a-zA-Z0-9_-]+)$ $1.php [L]- Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the .htaccess file back to your server.
This code tells the server to treat URLs without the .php extension as if they had the extension, effectively hiding it from users.
Method 2: How to remove php extension from URL Using a PHP Script
If you don’t have access to the .htaccess file or prefer using PHP, you can use a PHP script to remove the .php extension:
- Create a Router Script: Create a file named
router.phpin your root directory and add the following code:
<?php
$request = $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'];
$request = rtrim($request, '/');
$request = explode('/', $request);
$page = end($request);
if (file_exists($page . '.php')) {
include $page . '.php';
} else {
// Handle 404 error or redirect
echo "Page not found.";
}
?>- Edit Your .htaccess File: Add the following code to your .htaccess file to redirect all requests to the
router.phpscript:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ router.php [QSA,L]- Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload both the
router.phpand .htaccess files to your server.
This script will route all requests to the appropriate .php file without displaying the extension in the URL.
Conclusion
How to remove php extension from URL is a straightforward process that can enhance your website’s SEO and user experience. Whether you use the .htaccess method or a PHP script, implementing clean URLs is a best practice in modern web development. Follow these steps to make your URLs cleaner and more user-friendly today.
