What is the .htaccess file?

.htaccess is a configuration file that is used on servers running Apache Web Server. When a .htaccess file is placed in a directory, it is automatically detected and executed by the Apache web server.

.htaccess files can be used for:
- modifying the web server configuration, such as enabling/disabling certain functionalities.
- redirecting links within the site / redirecting a domain, subdomain, etc.
- protecting directories by using username/password.
- blocking IP addresses.
- blocking certain search engines.

This file will be read when placed in any directory that is, in turn, loaded through the Apache web server. The file will affect the entire directory in which it is placed and all files and subdirectories within the specified directory.
Attention: entering incorrect lines in the file can lead to the complete blocking of the site, and the remedy is correcting the lines or removing them.