Change front page url by keeping its content I would like to change front page url to some string, e.g. http://example.com/pattern and need all url('&lt;front&gt;') links to be changed to the new url and 301 redirect to new url after openening the site directly as well.
You simple need to configure that in your website settings:

Configuration >> System >> Site information

There you will find the "Front page" panel where you can enter your new front page URL.

Cheers!