What is an index.htm file

Luckily, they must have thought about this and they included a way to change the output extension back to. In short, they are exactly the same. If you notice the end of the URL, sometimes you'll see. It still refers to the Hyper-Text Markup Language. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Collectives on Stack Overflow. Learn more. Should you use. What is the difference, and which file is correct? Asked 12 years, 5 months ago. Active 1 year ago. Viewed k times. Dupe: stackoverflow. It should be closed as dupe, not as primarily opinion-based — Michael Freidgeim. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. The short answer There is none. They are exactly the same.

The long answer Both. Not necessarily personal preference - many microcontrollers and embedded systems use an 8. A very few actually do care these are often limited by the OS, file system, or are extremely old. It is only by default that the web server host the same filename and directory structure that is set locally. The metadata that is sent with the webpage defines what type of a file it is. The web server does not need to pass an extension.

But it sometimes does. See - URL Rewrite. This article has been viewed 56, times. But when you open HTM files in a web browser like Safari, Edge, or Chrome, you'll see the web page created by the code. Click the File tab. Click Open. Navigate to and double-click your HTM file. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Besides index. The reality is that a web server can be configured to recognize any file you want as the default for that site.

That being the case, it's still a good idea to stick with index. While default. Whenever you have a directory on your website, it is a best practice to have a corresponding index. Even if you do not plan to display content on the index pages of select directories with any actual page links, having the file in place is a smart user experience move, as well as a security feature. Most web servers start out with the directory structure visible when someone comes to a directory without a default file.

This view shows them information about the website that would otherwise be hidden, such as directories and other files in that folder. This transparency can be helpful during a site's development, but after a site is live, allowing for directory viewing can be a security vulnerability. If you don't put in an index. While this behavior can be disabled at the server level, it means that you need to involve the server admin in order to make it work.

IIS installations have directory browsing disabled by default. If the default document is not found and both default document and directory browsing is disabled, the user will get a error.

If you are pressed for time and want to control this on your own, an easy workaround is to simply write a default web page and name it index. Uploading that file to your directory will help close that potential security hole.

Additionally, it is also a good idea to also contact your hosting provider and ask for directory viewing to be disabled. Some websites, like those that are powered by a content management system or ones that use more robust programming languages like PHP or ASP, may not use.

For these sites, you still want to ensure that a default page is specified, and for select directories in that site, having an index. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads.