apache2.xml Add notes about FallbackResource

[andrewnicols]

I recently encountered an issue when configuring a FallbackResource for Apache.

We are in the process of migrating legacy paths to use a routing engine and as part of the migration we are providing a shim. As a result we have users hitting paths such as /example.php which are now expected to be handled by the Routing system.

We discovered that our Apache2 test images were not hitting the Routing system for these paths and, after digging, that it's because the SetHandler and AddHandler directives are set based on the path location rather than the file. That is, if the location https://example.com/example.php is requested then the <FilesMatch> directive is always applied based on the \.php$ regex match. As a result, the FallbackResource directive is not applied (beceause a Handler has already been applied).

This has previously been rejected as a bug in Apache2 as it is the expected behaviour.

I have:

• Raised an issue againt the Docker PHP docker images: Incompatibility with FallbackResource and SetHandler docker-library/php#1576
• Raised a bug against the Apache docs and provided a patch there

Given that the FallbackResource is the recommended way to use a routing system such as Symfony it is probably worth documenting:

• the use of the FallbackResource directive; and
• the need to use an If -f directive when setting the handler to only apply it when the requested file actually exists.

[andrewnicols]

Is there anything I can do to help progress this issue?

Thanks

[andrewnicols]

Hi folks,

Just wondering if there's anything I can do to help progress this patch?

[lacatoire]

LGTM - Documents a real gotcha that affects many PHP developers using modern routing. Clear explanation with working solution.

[andrewnicols]

Hi folks,

I'm still looking for a merge on this. This has now been noted on the Apache docs too:

• https://httpd.apache.org/docs/current/mod/core.html#sethandler
• https://httpd.apache.org/docs/current/mod/mod_dir.html#fallbackresource

@mmalferov I think you're the main contributor in this space. Are you able to review this or point me in the right direction?

[jordikroon]

Hi @andrewnicols. I am very sorry this has been on the shelf for so long. I have rebased your branch and fixed some minor style nits on your behalf. The changed look good to me. Thank you for your efforts.