With an .htaccess file, you will specify how the web server which manages the requests to your web sites must act in a variety of cases. This is a text file with directives that are performed when somebody tries to open your site and what happens next depends on the content of the file. For instance, you may block a specific IP address from opening the website, and 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 can also use tailor-made error pages or shield any part of your website with a password, if you place an .htaccess file inside the correct folder. Many popular script-driven apps, like Joomla™, WordPress and Drupal™, use an .htaccess file to operate efficiently.