The article below is part of the series, 9 Awesome Things You Can Do with .htaccess: Guidance by Websnoogie, LLC.
Creating custom error pages using the .htaccess file is an essential skill for webmasters looking to enhance the user experience on their websites. When visitors encounter errors such as a 404 Not Found or 403 Forbidden, a well-designed error page can provide helpful information and guide them back to active parts of the site. This article explores the process of setting up and customizing error pages through .htaccess, offering practical examples and tips for integration with popular content management systems.
At Websnoogie, we often talk about the power of the .htaccess file, but what exactly is it? Simply put, it's a configuration file used by Apache web servers that allows us to control various aspects of our website. It's a plain text file, which means you can edit it using any text editor.
The beauty of .htaccess lies in its flexibility. Here's a quick rundown of what you can do with it:
Remember, while .htaccess is incredibly powerful, it's also quite sensitive. A tiny mistake can take your site offline, so always make backups before you tinker.
Each directory on your server can have its own .htaccess file, which means you can manage settings very granularly. But don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds. We'll walk you through the basics and make sure you're comfortable making changes that can greatly improve your site's functionality and security.
We all know the frustration of hitting a dead end on the web. That's where custom error pages come in handy. They turn a potential negative user experience into an opportunity for engagement and helpful guidance. By crafting a custom error page, we're not just fixing a broken link; we're maintaining our brand's professionalism and showing our visitors that we care.
Creating custom error pages allows us to:
Remember, a well-designed error page keeps users on your site longer and reduces bounce rates by offering alternative pathways.
Plus, with the right setup, we can track these errors using tools like Google Search Console to identify and fix them, ensuring our site stays in tip-top shape. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a seamless user experience and keeping our digital space tidy.
When we're cruising through the web, we sometimes hit a snag, and that's where HTTP status codes come in. These codes are like the server's way of whispering to us what went wrong. Understanding these codes is crucial because it helps us figure out the next steps to fix the issue.
Here's a quick rundown of some common HTTP status codes you might encounter:
Remember, a well-informed error page can turn a moment of frustration into an opportunity for problem-solving.
Each code tells a story, and while we've got guides to help you fix issues like 404 not found errors or 500 internal server snafus, it's the 403 Forbidden error that often puzzles folks. It's like being left off the guest list of a private event. But don't worry, we're here to help you crash that party by fixing your .htaccess file or tweaking file permissions.
When we're talking about customizing our website, we want to ensure that even the error pages reflect our attention to detail and care for our visitors. Creating a custom error document is a straightforward process that can make a big difference in how users perceive our site during those inevitable hiccups.
First things first, let's craft our error page. You can use HTML or PHP, depending on your needs. For instance, a simple 404 error page could be named 404.html. Place this file in the root directory of your website so it's easily accessible.
Next up, we'll need to update our .htaccess file. If you don't have one yet, no worries—just create a new text file and name it .htaccess. Here's a quick rundown of the steps:
.htaccess file in the root directory.ErrorDocument 404 /404.html to link to your custom 404 page.Remember, the .htaccess file is powerful and can do much more than just handle error documents. For example, you can secure the admin area by restricting access to specific IP addresses. Just replace 'Your-IP-Address-Here' with your actual IP address and test to ensure it's working properly.
It's essential to test your error pages thoroughly. A well-crafted error page can turn a moment of frustration into an opportunity for engagement.
Once you've crafted your custom error pages, it's time to tell your server to use them. This is where the magic of .htaccess comes into play. It's a powerful configuration file that can control the behavior of your server at the directory level. Let's get those error pages up and running!
First things first, you'll need to locate or create the .htaccess file in the root directory of your website. If it's not there, no worries—just create a new text file and name it .htaccess. Now, open it up with your favorite text editor and get ready to add some directives.
Here's a simple example to handle 404 Not Found errors:
ErrorDocument 404 /404.html Replace /404.html with the path to your custom error page. It's that easy! But don't stop there; you can define error handling for various HTTP status codes. Here's a quick rundown:
ErrorDocument 400 /400.html for Bad Request errorsErrorDocument 401 /401.html for Authorization RequiredErrorDocument 403 /403.html for Forbidden AccessErrorDocument 500 /500.html for Internal Server ErrorsRemember, the path you provide is relative to the root directory of your website. So make sure your error documents are in the right place.
After you've added the necessary directives, save your changes and upload the .htaccess file back to the server if you're working locally. Now, it's crucial to ensure that your web server has the correct permissions to read the .htaccess file. If not, your custom error pages won't work as expected.
Lastly, don't forget to test your error pages to make sure they're displayed correctly. It's a good practice to check after each change you make. We've got your back, and we'll dive into testing in the next section!
Once you've set up your custom error pages, it's crucial to ensure they're working as intended. Testing is a simple but vital step in the process. Start by trying to access a page on your site that doesn't exist. You can do this by typing a random URL directly in your browser's address bar.
Here's a quick checklist to guide you through the testing process:
Remember, a well-tested error page maintains the professionalism of your site and provides a better experience for your visitors.
If you encounter any issues, double-check your .htaccess file for typos or syntax errors. It's also a good idea to review your server's documentation, as some hosting environments have specific requirements for .htaccess configurations.
When we talk about custom error pages, we're not just aiming for a static 'Oops, something went wrong' message. With PHP, we can create dynamic error pages that are not only more informative but also more engaging for our users. Dynamic error pages can adapt to the error at hand, providing specific guidance or even suggestions for further actions.
For instance, if a user encounters a 404 error, the dynamic page could suggest similar pages or content that exists on the website. This is not just about looking professional; it's about being helpful and keeping the user engaged even when things don't go as planned.
Here's a simple way to get started with PHP for your error documents:
ErrorDocument 404 /error.php?q=404 Remember, while PHP allows for more complex error handling, it's crucial to ensure that error messages do not expose sensitive information. It's a balance between being helpful and maintaining security. Our website offers hosting services and tutorials on cPanel, CloudLinux, and other topics, including instructions on enabling or disabling PHP display_errors via CloudLinux Selector in cPanel.
Keep in mind that turning on PHP errors for a live site is a no-go. It's a security risk that could lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. Always test your error pages in a development environment first.
Once you've got your custom error pages set up, it's time to make them look good. Styling your error pages with CSS ensures they align with your website's aesthetic and brand identity. It's not just about looking pretty, though; a well-designed error page can ease the frustration of hitting a dead end on your site.
Here's a quick rundown on how to get started:
Remember, the goal is to keep users engaged even when they encounter an error. A touch of humor or a friendly message can go a long way in retaining visitors.
Testing is crucial. After you've applied your CSS magic, check your error pages across different browsers and devices to ensure consistency. If something's off, tweak it until it's just right. We're all about those polished, professional vibes that show users we care, even when things go a bit sideways.
When we're talking about enhancing the user experience on error pages, adding navigation and sitemap links is a game-changer. It's not just about making the page look better; it's about providing a clear path back to the main content of your site. As an Omaha web design team, we know the importance of keeping visitors engaged, even when they stumble upon an error page.
Here's a quick checklist to ensure your error pages are helpful:
Remember, the goal is to minimize frustration and guide users back to what they were looking for. A well-thought-out error page can turn a potential bounce into a longer visit.
For those of us in web design in Omaha and beyond, it's crucial to think about the local context. If you're a web developer in Omaha or focusing on web design in Nebraska, consider including links to local resources or services that might be relevant to your audience. This not only helps with navigation but also reinforces your connection to the local community.
When we've put in the effort to create custom error pages, it's frustrating when they don't show up as expected. The most common reason for this is a misconfiguration in the .htaccess file. Let's make sure we've got everything set up correctly.
First, check that your .htaccess file contains the correct directives for the error documents. Here's a quick reference for the syntax:
ErrorDocument 404 /404.html ErrorDocument 403 /403.html ErrorDocument 500 /500.html If your error pages are still not showing, it could be due to several reasons. Here's a checklist to troubleshoot the issue:
Remember, the server needs to be configured to allow .htaccess overrides. If you're not sure about this, it might be time to reach out to your hosting provider for help.
Lastly, always test your error pages by visiting a non-existent URL on your site to see if the custom error page is displayed. If you're still facing issues, it might be a server-side problem, and consulting with your web host's support team can provide you with the necessary assistance.
When we're setting up custom error pages, it's crucial to ensure that the correct HTTP status codes are being sent to browsers and search engines. Incorrect status codes can lead to confusion for both users and search engine crawlers. For instance, if a page is not found, the server should return a 404 (Not Found) status code, not a 200 (OK) which implies that the page exists.
Here's a quick rundown of some common status codes you might encounter:
Remember, the goal is to guide users and search engines accurately. Sending the wrong status code can mislead them and harm your site's usability and SEO.
Lastly, always protect your .htaccess file by adding a rule to deny all unauthorized access. This is just one of many steps we can take to ensure our site's security. For more on this, check out our additional articles on cPanel security.
When we dive into the world of .htaccess, we're not just talking about custom error pages. It's a powerful tool that lets us tighten the security of our website by managing file permissions. For instance, we can restrict access to certain directories by setting up rules that only allow specific IP addresses to enter. This is a great way to keep sensitive areas of our site safe from unwanted visitors.
Here's a quick guide on how to set this up:
.htaccess file in the directory you want to protect.Remember, it's crucial to test your configurations after setting them up to ensure they're working as intended. This helps prevent any unexpected access issues that could leave parts of your site exposed.
If you're looking to get more in-depth with directory protection, we've got related articles that can guide you through the process. Just remember, the goal is to keep your site secure while still providing a seamless experience for authorized users.
When we're talking about WordPress, setting up custom error pages is a breeze, especially if your theme is on your side. Most themes come with a 404.php file that's ripe for customization. Just pop open that file in your theme's folder and you're halfway there.
Here's a quick rundown on how to get your WordPress error page up and running:
/wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/ and locate the 404.php file.<?php header("HTTP/1.0 404 Not Found"); ?> at the very top of the file to ensure the correct HTTP status code is sent.Remember, the goal is to make sure your visitors don't hit a dead end. A custom error page can provide helpful links, a bit of humor, or even a search box to get them back on track.
If your theme doesn't have a 404.php file, don't fret. You can always fall back on the trusty .htaccess method to create your error page. Just remember, whether it's through a theme file or .htaccess, the aim is to keep your site user-friendly and to maintain that sleek professionalism we all strive for.
When it comes to Joomla and Drupal, handling 404 errors is a bit different from WordPress. These platforms don't rely on a .htaccess file for error handling in the same way. Instead, they use their own configuration files to manage error pages. Here's a quick rundown on how to set up a custom 404 page in both Joomla and Drupal.
For Joomla, you'll want to create a new article that will serve as your 404 page. Once that's done, go to the Menu Manager and create a new menu item linked to this article, but don't assign it to any menu. In the 'Link Type' options, you can add a 'Menu Item Alias' to redirect any 404s to this new article.
Drupal takes a slightly different approach. You'll need to create a basic page or a custom content type for your 404 page. After that, navigate to 'Configuration' > 'System' > 'Basic site settings'. Here, you'll find the option to set your default 404 page by entering the path to your custom page.
Remember, while the process may differ, the goal remains the same: to provide a helpful and user-friendly experience for visitors who stumble upon a broken link or a missing page.
Both Joomla and Drupal offer extensive support and tutorials to help you through the process. And if you're hosting with us, you'll find plenty of resources on cPanel, WordPress, and other tools in our knowledge base. Our support system is here for you with tickets, announcements, and a comprehensive tag cloud that includes DatabaseIP to assist you every step of the way.
When we dive into the world of Content Management Systems (CMS), we find that many of them, especially WordPress, come with built-in support for custom error pages. For instance, a typical WordPress theme includes a 404.php file that you can easily edit to create a personalized 404 error page. Just head over to /wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/ and look for that file. If it's not there, don't worry; you can still use .htaccess to set up your error page.
Remember, the goal is to make sure your error page blends seamlessly with the rest of your site, maintaining a consistent look and feel.
Here's a quick checklist to ensure your CMS error pages are up to snuff:
404.php file or create one if it's missing.By following these steps, you'll provide a more professional experience for users who stumble upon a broken link or a missing page. And remember, if you're not using WordPress, the process might differ slightly, but the principles remain the same.
When it comes to custom error pages, clarity is king. We want to ensure that when users stumble upon an error, they're not left scratching their heads. A clear message paired with actionable advice can turn a moment of frustration into a positive experience.
Here's a quick checklist to keep your error messages user-friendly:
Remember, the goal is to guide users back on track with minimal hassle. Think of your error page as a helpful signpost in the digital wilderness.
It's also a good idea to include links to popular pages or resources. This not only aids navigation but also keeps users engaged with your site. For instance, you might want to direct users to a page that provides instructions on creating user-friendly URLs using htaccess, along with other support resources and related articles.
When users stumble upon an error page, it's our job to guide them back to safety with as little frustration as possible. We aim to turn a potential negative experience into a positive one by providing clear, helpful options. Here's how we can make that happen:
Remember, the goal is to minimize user confusion and help them find the information they're looking for quickly and efficiently.
By considering user needs first, we create a more navigable web experience. This approach not only helps retain visitors but also reflects positively on our brand.
When we're talking about custom error pages, maintaining brand consistency is key. It's not just about having a page that says '404 Not Found'. It's about ensuring that even in error situations, your users feel at home. This means carrying over the same design elements, tone, and messaging that they're used to seeing on your site.
Remember, a consistent brand experience can reduce bounce rates and strengthen brand equity, even when users encounter an error.
By keeping these elements consistent, you're not just fixing a broken link; you're reinforcing your brand identity and potentially turning a negative experience into a positive interaction with your brand.
When we're sprucing up our website or moving things around, it's crucial to ensure that our visitors can still find what they're looking for. That's where 301 redirects come into play. They're like digital forwarding addresses that tell browsers, "Hey, this content has moved permanently, but here's where you can find it now!"
Here's a simple way to set up a 301 redirect using .htaccess:
Redirect 301 /old-page.html /new-page.html This line of code will seamlessly direct traffic from the old URL to the new one. But remember, it's not just about the redirect; it's about maintaining a smooth user experience and keeping those search engines happy.
We want to make sure that we're not just redirecting for the sake of it. It's important to redirect to relevant content that provides value to the user, otherwise, we risk losing their trust and potentially harming our SEO.
If you're dealing with a site migration or a major overhaul, you might need a more complex setup. Here's a snippet of code for a broader redirect scenario:
RewriteEngine on RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^yourdomain.com [NC,OR] RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^www.yourdomain.com [NC] RewriteRule ^(.*$) http://newdomain.com/$1 [L,R=301,NC] This block of code will redirect all pages from your old domain to the new one, preserving the path structure. Just replace 'yourdomain.com' with your old domain and 'newdomain.com' with your new one.
When we're juggling the complexities of site migrations, we've got to ensure that our visitors can still find what they're looking for, even if the content has moved. Redirects are the magic that makes this possible. Using .htaccess, we can set up 301 redirects that seamlessly guide users to the new locations of our pages.
Remember, the goal is to make the transition invisible to the user, maintaining a smooth and frustration-free experience.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps we typically follow:
By handling redirects properly, we not only keep our users happy but also preserve our hard-earned SEO rankings. It's a win-win!
When we're setting up redirects, it's crucial to avoid creating long chains that can confuse search engines and slow down user experience. A single redirect from the old URL to the new one is the gold standard. But sometimes, especially during site migrations or major content reshuffles, redirect chains can sneak in.
To keep our SEO game strong, we need to regularly audit our redirects. This ensures we're not inadvertently hurting our site's performance or user satisfaction. Here's a quick checklist to keep our redirects clean and efficient:
Remember, our website offers web design, SEO, and hosting services, and we always emphasize good SEO practices. We avoid outdated tactics like blog spamming and duplicate content, focusing instead on quality content and audience targeting. By staying vigilant with our redirects, we maintain a seamless and efficient user experience that both our visitors and search engines will appreciate.
We've all got those special parts of our website that we want to keep just for ourselves or a select group of users. Password protecting directories is a straightforward way to add an extra layer of security. With a few lines in your .htaccess file, you can ensure that only people with the right credentials can access certain areas of your site.
Here's a quick rundown on how to set it up:
.htpasswd file with your chosen usernames and passwords..htaccess file, like AuthType, AuthName, AuthUserFile, and require valid-user.Remember, the path to your .htpasswd file should be absolute, and it's best kept outside your public_html directory for added security.
Once you've got everything in place, anyone trying to access the protected directory will be prompted to enter a username and password. It's a simple yet effective way to control access and keep your sensitive content secure.
We've all seen it happen: you're browsing the web and notice your website's images popping up on someone else's site. It's called hotlinking, and it's not just a matter of unauthorized use—it can also eat into your bandwidth, costing you money. But don't worry, we can stop it in its tracks with .htaccess.
Here's how we can protect our resources:
Remember, the goal is to keep your content safe while ensuring your site performs optimally. Hotlink protection is a smart move to prevent bandwidth theft and maintain control over your content.
When hotlink protection is enabled, visitors from unauthorized domains trying to display your content will typically see a 403 forbidden error. This is a clear sign that your protective measures are working. If you're using a control panel like cPanel, you can often enable hotlink protection with a few clicks, specifying which URLs to allow and which to block.
We all know that keeping sensitive files secure is a top priority for any website. With .htaccess, we've got a powerful tool at our disposal to help lock down those important bits of data. By setting up password protection on directories, we ensure that only authorized eyes get to peek at the goodies inside.
Here's a quick rundown on how to set this up:
.htpasswd file with your desired usernames and passwords..htaccess file:AuthName "Your Protected Area" AuthUserFile /path/to/your/.htpasswd AuthType Basic require valid-user Remember, the path to your .htpasswd file should be absolute, and you should replace "/path/to/your/.htpasswd" with the actual path where you've stored the file.
Adjusting file permissions is another way to tighten security. Set permissions so that only the necessary parties can read, write, or execute your files. Here's a quick guide to what those permissions mean:
By combining these methods, we can sleep a little easier at night, knowing our site's sensitive areas are well-guarded.
When we're sprucing up our custom error pages, it's crucial to sidestep the SEO pitfall of duplicate content. Search engines frown upon seeing the same text across multiple pages, which can dilute our site's ranking power. To avoid this, we make sure each error page has unique content that's helpful to our visitors.
For instance, while our 404 page might offer a search bar and a list of popular resources, our 500 error page could provide an explanation of the issue and an estimated time for resolution. Here's a quick checklist to ensure our error pages are unique:
Remember, the goal is to guide users back to a positive experience on our site, even when they stumble upon an error.
By customizing our error pages in this way, we not only improve user experience but also safeguard our SEO efforts. It's a win-win!
When we're talking about 404 errors, it's crucial to handle them correctly. A soft 404 error occurs when a non-existent page displays a 'page not found' message to the user but fails to return the proper HTTP 404 status code to the browser or search engine. Instead, it might return a 200 OK status, misleading search engines into thinking the page exists. This can hurt your site's SEO because it can lead to indexing of non-existent pages.
Here's how we, as your Omaha, Nebraska web developer, recommend fixing soft 404 errors:
404.html, and place it in the root directory of your website.ErrorDocument 404 /404.html to point to your custom error page.Remember, the goal is to provide a clear message to both users and search engines that the page they're looking for can't be found, while also maintaining the integrity of your site's SEO.
By taking these steps, you'll ensure that your website maintains a professional appearance and search engines correctly understand the status of your pages. Plus, you'll be providing a better experience for your visitors, which is always a top priority for us at Websnoogie, LLC.
We've all been there, meticulously crafting our websites only to find that errors can pop up when we least expect them. But fear not! Google Search Console is our trusty sidekick in monitoring and resolving these pesky issues. By adding our site to Google Search Console, we gain access to a wealth of error insights.
Here's a quick rundown on how to use it effectively:
Remember, keeping an eye on these errors is crucial not just for the health of our site, but also for maintaining a smooth user experience. Plus, it helps us stay in Google's good graces, which is always a bonus for our SEO efforts.
By staying proactive with error monitoring, we can optimize content, improve SEO, enhance usability, monitor trends, and utilize security insights. It's all about keeping our digital presence in tip-top shape and our visitors happy.
When it comes to Nebraska web design, we're all about creativity and making the best out of every situation. That's why we love to sprinkle a little magic on our error pages. Instead of the standard 'Page Not Found', why not turn it into an opportunity for engagement? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Remember, the goal is to turn a potential frustration into a positive experience. As an Omaha web designer, we understand the importance of keeping your visitors happy, even when they stumble upon an error page.
By crafting a custom error page that reflects your brand's personality and offers help, you're not just fixing a problem; you're enhancing the user experience.
Make sure to test your error pages thoroughly to ensure they're not only fun but also functional. After all, the last thing you want is for your creative error page to have errors of its own!
We've all been there, landing on an error page and feeling a bit lost. But what if we told you that these pages could be a goldmine for capturing leads? Error pages can be more than just a dead end; they can be a strategic tool in your marketing arsenal. By customizing your error pages, you can provide visitors with a valuable experience, even when they stumble upon a broken link or a page that no longer exists.
When life gives you 404s, make lead generation opportunities. Think of your error page as a mini landing page that can engage visitors with an offer they can't refuse. Whether it's a discount code, an invitation to subscribe to your newsletter, or a free ebook, make sure your offer is relevant and irresistible.
Here's a quick checklist to ensure your error pages are optimized for lead capture:
Remember, the goal is to turn a potential frustration into a positive interaction. With a little creativity and strategic thinking, your error pages can help you grow your email list and generate leads that may turn into loyal customers.
When it comes to understanding how visitors interact with our website, analyzing error page traffic can be incredibly insightful. By diving into the analytics, we can identify patterns and potential issues that may be causing visitors to land on error pages in the first place. It's not just about spotting the problems, though; it's also about seizing opportunities to improve user experience and potentially convert a negative into a positive.
Remember, every visit to an error page is a chance to re-engage a visitor. By offering helpful links, search options, or even a bit of humor, we can turn frustration into satisfaction.
Lastly, don't overlook the power of segmentation in your analysis. Breaking down the data by device type, geographic location, or even time of day can reveal trends that inform our strategy for both error page design and broader website improvements. Armed with these insights, we're better equipped to refine our approach and keep our visitors happy.
Don't let a 404 page be the end of the road for your visitors. Transform error pages into opportunities for marketing and engagement with Websnoogie's innovative web design solutions. Our expert team ensures that every aspect of your website, including error pages, aligns with your brand and converts visitors into customers. Ready to elevate your online presence? Visit Websnoogie for a custom website that stands out in the digital landscape.
We've explored various methods to create custom error pages using the .htaccess file, which is a powerful tool for website customization and error handling. From defining simple HTML error pages to more complex PHP scripts, the flexibility of .htaccess allows webmasters to maintain a professional appearance even when visitors encounter errors. Remember, a well-crafted error page not only informs users about the issue but also helps retain their trust and potentially guides them back to your site's working pages. Whether you're using a static site, Apache server, or a CMS like WordPress, the steps outlined in this article should help you set up your custom error pages effectively. Happy coding!
The .htaccess file is a configuration file used on Apache web servers that allows you to customize behavior without editing server configuration files. It lets you create custom error pages for different HTTP status codes, enhancing user experience during website errors.
To create a custom 404 error page, first create a 404.html or 404.php file in your root directory. Then, add the line 'ErrorDocument 404 /404.html' to your .htaccess file, pointing to the relative path of your custom error page. Save the changes and test it by visiting a non-existent page on your domain.
Common HTTP error codes include 400 (Bad Request), 401 (Authorization Required), 403 (Forbidden), 404 (Not Found), and 500 (Internal Server Error). You can create custom error pages for these and other status codes using the .htaccess file.
Yes, you can use PHP to create dynamic error pages by specifying a PHP file in the .htaccess ErrorDocument directive. For example, 'ErrorDocument 404 /error.php?q=404' would redirect to a dynamic PHP error page that can display custom messages based on the error.
After configuring your .htaccess file, test your custom error pages by requesting a page that does not exist on your website, like 'http://www.your-domain.com/nonexistentpage'. You should see the content of your custom error page instead of the server's default error message.
If your custom error page is not displaying, check your .htaccess file for syntax errors, ensure the file permissions are correct, and confirm that the file path specified in the ErrorDocument directive is correct. Also, check that your server supports .htaccess overrides.
In WordPress, you can configure custom error pages by editing the 404.php file in your theme directory. Insert the PHP header function at the top of the file to send the correct HTTP status code, and customize the page content as desired.
Yes, you can redirect users using .htaccess by using the Redirect directive. For example, 'Redirect 301 /oldpage.html /newpage.html' will permanently redirect visitors from the old page to the new one, which is useful for site migrations or when updating URLs.
