Extensionless URLs

Schools may request extensionless URLs—those that do not end with a trailing slash or a file extension—for reasons like preserving previous URL structures, search engine optimization (SEO) concerns, or to follow web design trends. However, Modern Campus CMS is structured differently, and using extensionless URLs can complicate site management and is not supported by Modern Campus hosting. If your site was hosted by a third-party provider and used extensionless URLs, we will not be able to accommodate them on Modern Campus Hosting.

Why Modern Campus CMS Doesn't Need Extensionless URLsLink to this section

Unlike database-driven systems (e.g., WordPress), Modern Campus CMS uses a file-and-folder structure where each page is an actual file (such as `.php` or `.html`). This approach creates clear, semantic URLs that meet SEO and readability goals without needing extensionless formatting.

While extensionless URLs are often used in database-driven environments to improve SEO or simplify navigation, the CMS already delivers those benefits through its structured publishing model. Additionally, some features—like Visit-Based Personalization, CMS Insights, and the Page Analytics Gadget—require URLs to include their full file extensions to function properly. These features won’t operate on extensionless pages.

Making the SwitchLink to this section

To migrate smoothly to Modern Campus CMS and maintain SEO-friendly URLs:

1. Use File Extensions: Leverage the CMS’s inherent URL structure without forcing a workaround.
2. Implement 301 Redirects: If previous URLs were extensionless, use 301 redirects during migration to map old URLs to the new ones.

Adopting extensionless URLs in Modern Campus CMS can undermine system efficiency and create unnecessary complications. Stick with the platform’s native structure to ensure stability, ease of use, and optimal site performance.