# public/.htaccess
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On

    # Redirect to HTTPS if not already (optional, if you want HTTPS only)
    # RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
    # RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

    # If the requested filename exists, serve it directly
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -f
    RewriteRule ^ - [L]

    # If the requested directory exists, serve it directly
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -d
    RewriteRule ^ - [L]

    # Otherwise, forward to index.php
    RewriteRule ^ index.php [L]
</IfModule>