With an .htaccess file, you will specify how the web server that manages the requests to your web sites should act in different situations. This is a text file with directives that are executed when an individual tries to open your website and what happens next depends on the content of the file. For instance, you may block a particular IP address from opening the site, therefore the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain to an alternative URL, so the server may direct the visitor to the new web address. You may also use tailor-made error pages or protect any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file inside the correct folder. Many popular script-driven apps, such as WordPress, Joomla™ and Drupal™, use an .htaccess file to function efficiently.