This article explains what an HTACCESS file is, how and why they are used, and how to open or convert an HTACCESS file.
Using .htaccess files: common usage and an example
A file with the file extension HTACCESS is an Apache configuration file that stands for 'hypertext access'. These are text files that are used to invoke an exception to the global settings that apply to the various directories of an Apache website.
Placing the file in a single directory will overwrite global settings that previously flowed to that directory and its subdirectories. For example, HTACCESS files can be created to redirect a URL, prevent directory listing, ban specific IP addresses, prevent hotlinking, and more.
This file is also often used to point to an HTTPSWD file that stores login information so that visitors cannot access that particular folder of files.
