How can I perform a syntax check on an .htaccess file in a shared hosting environment?

I have a build script (Perl) that modifies the .htaccess file when I deploy my applications. As a double-check I'd like to be able to perform some sort of syntax checking on the created .htaccess file.

I am familiar with the idea of using apachectl -t however, I am in a shared hosting environment and because of file access restrictions I cannot read certain configuration files specified by the sysadmins. Apachectl simply will not work in this regard.

Ideas or suggestions welcome.

From serverfault Danny

• There is no native .htaccess validator. If a third party tool exists, I am not sure if I would trust it. Since it is a script that modifies the file, you should be able to code the validation within your script.

  You can also include testing and verification processes for your deployment, which would help reduce mistakes.

  Danny : This would be part of the testing.....
  From Warner