With an .htaccess file, you'll specify how the web server which addresses the requests to your Internet sites have to act in various situations. This is a text file with directives that are executed when an individual tries to open your website and what happens next will depend on the content of the file. As an illustration, you can block a certain IP address from opening your website, and the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain name to some other URL, so the server may redirect the visitor to the new web address. You could also use customized error pages or secure any part of your website with a password, if you place an .htaccess file inside the correct folder. Many popular script-driven applications, such as Joomla™, Drupal™ and WordPress, use an .htaccess file to operate correctly.