Redirecting

Redirecting is the process of sending a request or data flow from one address or path to another. In computing, it allows resources, users, or output to be programmatically rerouted without changing the original source. Redirecting can occur at the network, application, or user level and is a common technique for maintaining functionality after changes or for directing traffic and data.

In the web context, redirects are implemented through HTTP status codes and a Location header. The most common codes are 301 for a permanent move and 302, 303, or 307 for temporary moves. When a client follows a redirect, it issues a new request to the URL specified in the Location header. Redirects help preserve link usefulness after URL changes, route traffic through load balancers, and enforce preferred canonical URLs for search engines. From an SEO perspective, 301 redirects typically pass most link equity, while temporary redirects are used when the move is not permanent.

Redirects can be implemented on the server side or the client side. Server-side redirects are configured in web server software or within application logic. Client-side redirects use HTML meta refresh tags or JavaScript to navigate to a new URL, but these methods can be slower and are less favorable for accessibility and search engine indexing.

Outside the web, redirecting also appears in command-line and scripting environments, where standard input, output, and error streams can be redirected to files or other destinations. Common operators include redirecting stdout with > or >>, stdin with <, and redirecting or merging stderr with 2> or 2>&1.

Common pitfalls include redirect loops, unnecessary chains, and misapplied status codes. Properly planned redirects help preserve user experience and preserve or clarify search visibility.