Redirects can be implemented on a URL to move web users automatically onto a different URL in the instance that the first URL is temporarily or permanently unavailable. The 301 redirect shows the URL has been permanently moved, whereas the 302 redirect indicates that the URL has only been temporarily moved. Often, these moves take place due to site changes and maintenance.
These redirects are both handled by web servers and must be set up by a webmaster. There is an alternative technique called meta refresh, which can be used on the page itself. This method is not considered to be best practice, as it increases latency and negatively impacts upon user experience.
