10/02/10

Two ways of translating from URL to filename
- Aliases
    Transparently translates from URL to filename
    Delivers response without client being aware
    of the translation
    NB this is NOT about aliases for hostnames

- Redirection
    Sends a response to client, redirecting the
    client to another location
    Then the client can re-request using the new URL

- Aliases: why?
  1) When resources are not stored in the document root
  2) Hide ugly or sensitive URLs
  3) To correct common spelling errors
  4) When a resources is moved or renamed

  However (3) and (4) should probably be done using
  redirection (next lecture)

- How
  - need mod_alias
  - Directive
    Alias url pathname
    E.g.
    Alias /induction /users/2012/dtab2/induction
    Alias /dbridges.html /users/2012/dtab2/CS2510/htdocs/dbridge.html
  - Can use regular expression in the URL if use AliasMatch