With an .htaccess file, you can define how the server that handles the requests to your Internet sites have to act in a variety of occasions. This is a text file with directives that are executed when someone tries to open your site and what happens next is determined by the content of the file. As an example, you could block a specific IP address from opening the Internet site, therefore the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain name to a different URL, so the server will direct the visitor to the new web address. Also you can use customized error pages or shield any part of your Internet site with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many widespread script-driven applications, like WordPress, Joomla™ and Drupal™, use an .htaccess file to function properly.