How to password protect directory in Apache

Sometimes, you just want to set quick and simple password protection for a folder. That's how it can be done in Apache.

Create .htpasswd file in folder, you want to protect, using oneliner:

htpasswd -b -c .htpasswd user password

Write these lines to the folder .htaccess file

AuthType Basic
AuthName "protected folder"
AuthUserFile /absolute/path/to/.htpasswd
require valid-user

Can I just use the relative path? —Unfortunately no. If a path is not absolute, it is treated as relative to the ServerRoot.