.htaccess is a small text file that is placed either directly in a domain folder or in a subfolder to tell the web server how it has to address requests when a site or a folder that is part of it is accessed. Many widely used scripts such as WordPress and Joomla use an .htaccess file. If you get a lot of fake traffic to your site, for instance, you can block the access of certain IP addresses and third-party sites, or you may request the guest to enter a username and a password to view the content. You could also set up URL redirecting or use custom error pages for your Internet site, prevent other Internet sites from linking to your content directly and from using your account’s traffic quota, and so forth. An .htaccess file offers you much more control over your sites and the way they perform.