Access Control

.htaccess is the name of a special configuration text file that provides a number of Directives for configuring the Apache Web Server and its various modules like mod_rewrite, mod_alias, and mod_ssl. These files are frequently used by shared web hosting companies with multiple users, to allow each user the ability to modify the server settings for their specific directory. Htaccess allows for decentralized management of configuration when placed inside the web tree. Directives placed in .htaccess files apply to the directory where the file is placed, and all sub-directories. The .htaccess file follows the same syntax as the main Apache configuration files, but unlike httpd.conf files .htaccess files are read on every request therefore changes made in these files take immediate effect.