An infinite redirect loop, also known as a “redirect loop chain,” occurs when a URL continually redirects to another URL that ultimately leads back to the original URL, creating an endless cycle. This can be problematic for both user experience and search engine optimization, as it prevents users from accessing the desired content and may lead to search engines being unable to index the site correctly.
1. www and non-www Redirects: Redirecting from `www.example.com` to `example.com` and vice versa. \`\`\`apache # Redirect from www to non-www RewriteCond %{HTTP\_HOST} ^www.(.\*)$ [NC] RewriteRule ^(.\*)$ http://%1/$1 [R=301,L]
# Incorrect rule redirecting non-www to www, causing a loop RewriteCond %{HTTP\_HOST} !^www. RewriteRule ^(.\*)$ http://www.%{HTTP\_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L] \`\`\`
1. Log Analysis: Examine server logs to identify repeated redirect patterns, which can indicate a loop. \`\`\`bash grep “301 Moved Permanently” access.log \`\`\`
1. Canonical URLs: Use canonical link elements on your web pages to inform search engines about the preferred version of a webpage. \`\`\`html \`\`\`
1. Consistent URL Structure: Maintain a consistent URL structure and avoid conflicting redirection rules.
2. Conditional Statements in Code: Implement conditional checks to prevent looping redirects in your application code.
\`\`\`php
if (!isset($_SERVER[‘HTTPS’]) || $_SERVER[‘HTTPS’] != ‘on’) {
header(‘Location: https://’ . $_SERVER[‘HTTP_HOST’] . $_SERVER[‘REQUEST_URI’]);
exit();
}
\`\`\`
By adhering to these guidelines and practices, you can effectively avoid the pitfalls of infinite redirect loops, enhancing both user experience and search engine performance.
