What is a robots.txt File and How to Create it?

Changes are for the better. And with continuous technological upgrades comes an integral need to keep oneself updated with the pace of the same.

So, here’s another change, we all have grown up seeing .docs converting into .dox, time has been the biggest factor in modifying changes one is coping with and busy adapting to.

Let’s check out another innovation, i.e. robots.txt file.

What is a robots.txt file?

A robots.txt file is a recent trend that looks forward to assisting search engine crawlers on which URLS they can easily access on a particular site. It mainly takes into account avoiding overloading a site with requests, making it work as a mechanism for keeping a web page out of Google.

The robots.txt file is a part of the robots exclusion protocol (REP), a set of standards and rules that regulate how robots browse the web, access and index content, and deliver the content to the users.

Robots.txt file updates the search engine on what particular web pages to access and index on your website on which pages not to.

Search engines send out programs or signals to search one site and deliver the information back to the search engines so that the pages of your site can be aligned with the search results found by web users.

Amongst the many benefits, that is making the robots.txt file a recent trend being adopted by SEOs, let’s look into some basic advantages available on the prospect of the same. A few benefits of robots.txt file are mentioned  below –

a) Direct Reach

Robots.txt file helps in jumping into the most relevant web page rather than toiling over similar pages but of less important value. This makes the same the best direct reach method created.

b) Prevents Duplicate

With the help of a robots.txt file, one can easily save a handful of time and assist in making your search engine an incredible and phenomenal one to opt for.

c) Saves Time

With the above point, it is quite clear that the robots.txt file helps in giving the most appropriate result that directly or indirectly leads to saving time and energy.

After getting a precise idea and a clear outlook on the utility and applicability of robots.txt file, now let’s check out how to make a robots.txt file.

How to Create a robots.txt File?

In order to create your own robots.txt file, firstly you need to have access to the roof of your domain. The robots.txt files survive at the root of the site. It consists of one or more rules. Each ensures to either allow or block access for all the specified crawlers. Almost any text editor can be effectively used to create a robots.txt file.

For example, Notepad, Text Edit, etc. can create valid robots.txt files. A file when created needs to be saved with UTF-8 encoding, if prompted during the save file dialog.

Some formatting and location rules –

• The file must be named robots.txt.
• Website can have only one robots.txt file.
• This file must be located at the root of the website host to which it applies.
• A robots.txt file can be posted on a subdomain.
• A robots.txt file applies only to paths within the protocol, host, & port where it is posted.
• This robots.txt file must be a UTF-8 encoded text file.

In totality, we can conclude that the robots.txt file is an integral tool for SEO and website management. By properly analyzing your robots.txt file, you can ensure that your website’s pages and content are being overwhelmed by innumerable crawler requests. Experience the much-needed change for the bigger and better.