With an .htaccess file, you'll determine how the web server that manages the requests to your web sites must act in different situations. This is a text file with directives that are carried out when an individual tries to open your Internet site and what happens next is determined by the content of the file. For example, you could block a particular IP address from accessing the Internet site, so the server will decline the visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain to another URL, so the server may redirect the visitor to the new web address. You may also use custom-made error pages or preserve any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many popular script-driven applications, including Drupal™, Joomla™ and WordPress, use an .htaccess file to function properly.