With an .htaccess file, you'll define how the server which handles the requests to your websites must act a number of 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 could block a certain IP address from opening the website, and the server will decline the visitor’s request, or you can redirect your domain to a different URL, so the server will direct the visitor to the new web address. You can also use custom error pages or protect any part of your site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many popular script-driven applications, like Joomla™, Drupal™ and WordPress, use an .htaccess file to operate efficiently.