With an .htaccess file, you'll define how the server that handles the requests to your websites must act in different scenarios. This is a text file with directives that are carried out when someone tries to open your website and what happens next is determined by the content of the file. As an illustration, you can block a specific IP address from opening your website, so the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can redirect your domain to another URL, so the server will redirect the visitor to the new web address. You may also use personalized error pages or shield any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many widespread script-driven apps, including WordPress, Drupal™ and Joomla™, use an .htaccess file to function efficiently.