With an .htaccess file, you'll determine how the server that handles the requests to your web sites have to act in a variety of situations. This is a text file with directives that are executed when somebody tries to open your site and what happens next depends on the content of the file. For example, you could block a certain IP address from opening the website, so the server will decline your visitor’s request, or you can forward your domain name to some other URL, so the server will direct the visitor to the new web address. You can also use customized error pages or protect any part of your website with a password, if you place an .htaccess file in the correct folder. Many well-known script-driven applications, such as Joomla™, WordPress and Drupal™, use an .htaccess file to operate correctly.