Is putting your favicon.ico file in a non-root path a bad idea?
To utilize a favicon from a non-root path, you need to properly configure the <link> tag in your HTML <head>. Specify the href attribute to point directly to the favicon's location:
This tactic ensures browsers precisely locate and display the favicon, no matter its directory, assuring optimal site performance and a smooth user experience.
Browsing the browser behavior
Browsers have a habitual behavior of scouting for the favicon in the root path /favicon.ico. By detailing out the favicon location via <link> tag, you educate the browser to locate the non-root location, passing additional root searches.
Remember that non-HTML content and certain browser requests can't comprehend the <link> tag. Thus, for those requests, it's apt to implement a redirect from root /favicon.ico to the actual path, to prevent 404 errors.
Refurbishing your site's structure
Having your favicon.ico in a non-root path can impose significant changes on your site's layout and efficacy. Optimize your favicon location and mention it using a <link> tag to decrease incorrect calls and reserve bandwidth usage. This practice is particularly advantageous for traffic-heavy sites.
Smoothifying redirects for favicon.ico requests
Do you control your server configuration? Perfect! Consider creating a redirect from /favicon.ico to your customized path. This strategy bypasses unnecessary 404 errors, assures augmented compatibility with outdated software or scripts assuming the favicon resides in the root directory, and keeps the cleanliness of your site structure intact while boosting favicon accessibility.
Non-HTML content and favicon.ico
Non-HTML content like PDFs or images induce requests for favicon.ico. These requests lack the privileges from a <link> tag specifying an alternative location. To accommodate these requests without a meltdown, either stick to the root location or implement server-level redirects to guide the request to the rightful path.
Performance matters
Favicons implemented inappropriately can lead to repeated requests and waste bandwidth. Imagine a scenario where every failed attempt to locate the favicon produces a 404 error which, albeit small, can dent site efficiency and server load for high-traffic sites. Proper specification coupled with server configuration is key to boost performance.
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