With an .htaccess file, you'll define how the server that addresses the requests to your web sites have to act in a variety of occasions. This is a text file with directives that are executed when somebody tries to open your website and what happens next will depend on the content of the file. As an example, you can block a particular IP address from accessing the site, and the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can redirect your domain to an alternative URL, so the server may redirect the visitor to the new web address. Also you can use tailor-made error pages or secure any part of your website with a password, if you place an .htaccess file inside the correct folder. Many widespread script-driven applications, like WordPress, Drupal™ and Joomla™, use an .htaccess file to function correctly.