The Definitive Guide to Apache mod_rewrite (Definitive Guides) [Hardcover]

Rich Bowen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Definitive Guides | Publication Date: February 8, 2006

Organizing websites is highly dynamic and often chaotic. Thus, it is crucial that host web servers manipulate URLs in order to cope with temporarily or permanently relocated resources, prevent attacks by automated worms, and control resource access.

The Apache mod_rewrite module has long inspired fits of joy because it offers an unparalleled toolset for manipulating URLs. The Definitive Guide to Apache mod_rewrite guides you through configuration and use of the module for a variety of purposes, including basic and conditional rewrites, access control, virtual host maintenance, and proxies.

This book was authored by Rich Bowen, noted Apache expert and Apache Software Foundation member, and draws on his years of experience administering, and regular speaking and writing about, the Apache server.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rich Bowen is a world-recognized expert on the Apache Software Foundation, and is a member of the Apache Software Foundation. He’s the author of several books on the topic, and is a regular contributor to the Apache Server documentation project.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (February 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590595610
• ISBN-13: 978-1590595619
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,119,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Computers & Technology > Web Development > Web Servers

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars mod_rewrite explained very well, March 22, 2006

By 

Deoren (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Apache mod_rewrite (Definitive Guides) (Hardcover)

When I first came across RewriteRule directives I was mostly horrified. It was only because I was learning about Perl Regular Expressions at the time that I didn't make the sign of a cross at the stuff and just go another direction. But I realized that the power I craved came at a cost.

I admit that I had did the whole "trial and error" thing coupled with scouring the net for examples before I realized having a book would make things so much easier. So I resorted to searching Amazon for mod_rewrite. This is the only book that my search turned up.

I have to say the book was definitely well worth it. The tips about when to NOT use mod_rewrite was very much appreciated. Some of my uses could have been accomplished with a FilesMatch or DirectoryMatch directives instead of a RewriteRule.

The VirtualHosts chapter was useful, as was the Proxy chapter. I didn't realize how useful mod_proxy was until this chapter gave a few good examples.

All in all I'm very satisfied with this book. Because of the short length I was worried that it wouldn't cover the material well enough. However I don't think there is anything I've needed to do with mod_rewrite that this book didn't cover well enough for me to accomplish without another resource.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Definitive" might be stretching it a bit, October 10, 2007

By 

orangekay (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Apache mod_rewrite (Definitive Guides) (Hardcover)

The freely available online documentation for mod_rewrite is a great deal more "definitive" than this book could ever hope to be, but it's also a great deal more difficult to navigate and read. This book is considerably more human friendly and un-man-page-like, and even if it doesn't contain a specific solution for your particular problem, it will at least point you in the right direction so you have some general idea of where to look in the official docs.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good start, March 15, 2006

By 

M. Overweg - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Apache mod_rewrite (Definitive Guides) (Hardcover)

Having only about 140 pages, I wouldn't call this 'The Definitive Guide'. Even though I read it cover to cover and mod_rewrite is a relatively small subject, there are still some unanswered questions.
Still, the book contains easy to read explanations, a quick primer on Regular Expressions, recipes, and - very important - examples of problems that should NOT be solved with mod_rewrite because there is an easier way to do it.
So for those that are no experts yet and thus far had to consult the (not very user-friendly) official documentation on the Apache website, this book is certainly a good introduction.