With an .htaccess file, you can determine how the server that deals with the requests to your web sites should act in various scenarios. This is a text file with directives that are carried out when someone tries to open your website and what happens next depends on the content of the file. As an illustration, you may block a certain IP address from accessing the website, and the server will decline the 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. Also you can use custom-made error pages or shield any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file inside the correct folder. Many popular script-driven applications, including WordPress, Drupal™ and Joomla™, use an .htaccess file to work properly.