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About HTACCESS Files

An .htaccess file is a configuration file that lets website administrators control certain web server settings for a specific directory and its subdirectories. HTACCESS files can contain rules for redirecting URLs, restricting access to pages, configuring error responses, enabling password protection, and controlling other website behaviors. They are usually stored as plain text and are placed in a web server's directory structure, where supported settings can apply to requests for files in that location.

Apache HTTP Server introduced per-directory configuration through .htaccess files to allow administrators to manage certain settings without changing the server's main configuration file. Website administrators and developers commonly use these files to manage redirects, access rules, and URL rewriting, particularly on shared hosting services where they may not have permission to edit the main server configuration. You may encounter .htaccess files when maintaining Apache-hosted websites, configuring content management systems, troubleshooting redirects, or managing website security (the filename is typically .htaccess, without a separate filename before the extension).

You can open and edit an .htaccess file with a source code editor or plain text editor. However, the settings take effect only on a compatible web server, such as Apache HTTP Server, with the relevant features and permissions enabled. Incorrect rules can make a website inaccessible, so back up the file before modifying it.