HTTP Authentication

HTTP authentication, currently available only in the module (as opposed to the CGI) version running with the Apache Web server is a way to protect a file by requiring users to enter a username and password in a pop-up window to gain access. It's similar to a log-in/registration system but easier to establish and more strict.

The benefits of HTTP authentication are:

  • Very little PHP code required

  • Entered username and password remembered without needing to use PHP to send cookies or establish sessions

  • A clean interface that will not interfere with your page design

The downsides are:

  • Limited usability (PHP 4 module with Apache only, although Apache is the most popular Web server and PHP its most popular module)

  • Not able to establish ...

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