Website root directory

Definition

The website root directory, also known as the web root or document root, is the top-level directory on a web server that contains all of the files and subdirectories that make up a website. It is the starting point for the website's file structure, and it is the location from which all other files and directories are accessed.[1]

How it works

When a web server receives a request for a website, it looks for the files and directories within the root directory to determine which files should be served to the user. The root directory is also the location where the website's main index file, such as index.html or index.php, is stored. This file is the first file that the web server looks for when a user requests a website, and it serves as the entry point for the website.

Location

The location of the root directory can vary depending on the web server and the hosting platform being used. On a Linux or UNIX-based system, the root directory is typically located in the /var/www or /srv/http directory, while on a Windows-based system it is typically located in the C:\Inetpub\wwwroot or C:\xampp\htdocs directory.

As a website owner, you don't need to know the exact location of your root directory in order to access it, as it can be accessed through the File Manager or FTP client that is provided by your web hosting service. This allows you to manage the files and directories within your root directory and make updates to your website.

It's worth noting that if you want to secure your root directory it's important to take necessary steps as to avoid any unwanted access or malicious activity.

Relevance to SEO

The relevance of a website's root directory for search engine optimization (SEO) is limited, as the root directory is mainly used as a starting point for the file structure of the website, and is not directly related to the content or ranking of the website.

However, the root directory can play a role in SEO if it is used to organize the website's file structure in a way that makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index the website's content. For example, a well-organized root directory with clear and descriptive folder names can help search engines understand the hierarchy and structure of the website, which in turn can make it easier for them to find and index relevant pages.

Additionally, the root directory can also be important for SEO if it is used to store important files such as the website's sitemap.xml, robots.txt, and other important files like Google Search Console or Bing Webmaster Tools verifications. These files help search engines to understand the structure of the website, which can make it easier for them to find and index relevant pages.

It is important to note that the root directory should not be used to store duplicate versions of the same page, or to store irrelevant or low-quality pages. This can negatively impact the website's SEO and could lead to penalties from search engines.

Overall, while the root directory is not directly related to the SEO of a website, it can play a role in making it easier for search engines to crawl and index the website's content. It's essential to keep it well-organized and make sure that it doesn't include any SEO negative practices.