With an .htaccess file, you can define how the web server that handles the requests to your websites should act in different situations. This is a text file with directives that are executed when someone tries to open your Internet site and what happens next will depend on the content of the file. For example, you can block a certain IP address from opening your website, so the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain name to an alternative URL, so the server may direct the visitor to the new web address. You may also use customized error pages or preserve any part of your website with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many well-known script-driven apps, including WordPress, Joomla™ and Drupal™, use an .htaccess file to function correctly.