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PHP redirects automatically take users to a new web page, useful for redirecting traffic from defunct pages. However, they can be misused in phishing and pagejacking schemes. PHP code is freely available for webmasters.
A PHP redirect is a small piece of code embedded in a web page that automatically takes the surfer to a new web page. PHP once stood for Personal Home Page, although the term “PHP” is now used regardless of its original meaning. The code was created in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdoff for his own use, then released as public PHP code in 1995, with current implementations by The PHP Group. It is a standardized free scripting language.
A PHP redirect can be useful for webmasters who want visitors to ignore a defunct web page and enter a new page at a different location or web address. Search engine links established alongside links from other websites will continue to drive traffic to a defunct site long after a page has been taken down or the address has changed. Rather than lose that traffic, the webmaster can keep the old published page on the web server with just the PHP redirect code. This way, visitors are forwarded to the new page or site without clicking an additional link.
A PHP redirect can be employed in several ways. While it is recommended to remove all extraneous content or code on the page, it is possible to include a message to the surfer that the address of the page being searched for has changed. The message also typically states that the browser is being redirected and suggests that bookmarks be updated to reflect the new address.
In its simplest form, PHP redirects the visitor without any problems. Unless the surfer notices the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) field in the web browser, the new location will go unnoticed entirely. This may not be the best choice if you want the new page to be bookmarked. A PHP redirect is not meant to be used indefinitely.
Unfortunately, redirects can also be used in phishing schemes or to steal traffic from legitimate sites. In the latter case, people are redirected by “link bait” posing as legitimate sites. Traffic is redirected to abusive sites where mouse trapping is employed to obtain click revenue from surfers trying to click out. This misuse of redirects is called pagejacking.
Some browsers or their add-ons will protect surfers from being redirected. With this type of protection enabled, the browser may not be allowed to be redirected or may be warned and asked to click a button to allow it.
Despite its misuse by unscrupulous people, PHP redirect code is a useful to have on hand for almost any webmaster. The code is freely available on many web pages, along with tips on how to implement it. If your web host doesn’t support PHP scripting, HTTP redirects and JavaScript are also widely published.
