.htaccess is a small text file which is installed either directly in a domain folder or in a subfolder to guide the server how it should handle requests when an Internet site or a folder which is part of it is accessed. Lots of popular scripts like Joomla™ and WordPress use an .htaccess file. If you get a considerable amount of fake traffic to your site, for example, you'll be able to block the access of specific IP addresses and third-party sites, or you may request the visitor to input a username and a password to be able to see the content. You may also set up URL forwarding or use custom made error pages for your website, prevent other sites from linking to your content directly and from using your account’s traffic quota, etc. An .htaccess file offers you significantly more control over your sites and the way they perform.