title: How to debug .htaccess RewriteRule not working
body: <p>I have a <code>RewriteRule</code> in a <code>.htaccess</code> file that isn't doing anything. How do I troubleshoot this?</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>How can I verify if the <code>.htaccess</code> file is even being read and obeyed by Apache? Can I write an echo "it is working" message, if I do write it, where would that line be echoed out?</li>
  <li>If the <code>.htaccess</code> file isn't being used, how can I make Apache use it?</li>
  <li>If the <code>.htaccess</code> is being used but my <code>RewriteRule</code> still isn't having an effect, what more can I do to debug?</li>
  </ul>