A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that automatically sends users and search engines from one URL to another. This is typically done when a website or webpage is moved to a new location or when content is removed or consolidated.

The "301" in the redirect code indicates to search engines that the original URL has permanently moved to a new location, and that they should update their index to reflect the new URL. This helps preserve the search engine rankings and traffic of the original URL by redirecting users and search engines to the new location.

A 301 redirect can be implemented using server-side code or through configuration in a website's content management system. It is an important tool for website owners and developers to use when making changes to their website structure or content, as it helps ensure that users and search engines can continue to access the content they are looking for, even if the original URL has changed.