With an .htaccess file, you'll define how the web server which manages the requests to your websites should act in different occasions. This is a text file with directives that are carried out when someone tries to open your site and what happens next depends on the content of the file. As an illustration, you can block a certain IP address from accessing the Internet site, therefore the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can redirect your domain name to an alternative URL, so the server will redirect the visitor to the new web address. You may also use customized error pages or protect any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many popular script-driven apps, including WordPress, Drupal™ and Joomla™, use an .htaccess file to function properly.