With an .htaccess file, you'll define how the web server that deals with the requests to your Internet sites must act a number of cases. This is a text file with directives that are performed when an individual tries to open your Internet site and what happens next depends on the content of the file. For instance, you may block a specific IP address from opening the Internet site, so the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain name to a different URL, so the server may direct the visitor to the new web address. You could also use personalized error pages or shield any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many widely used script-driven applications, like Joomla™, Drupal™ and WordPress, use an .htaccess file to operate efficiently.