As a site manager, you may have encountered, and have heard of, .htaccess - a file Apache server may offer. Knowing how to handle .htaccess and understanding its functions can be definitely beneficial when adjusting and establishing your website. In this example, we will understand the basics of .htaccess and then, look at how to use it to the fullest.

 Understanding .htaccess Files

 `.htaccess` is an abbreviation for "Hypertext Access." Nevertheless, this `.htaccess` file is basically a text configuration file used by web servers which are running on an Apache Web Server software. It fulfills the purpose to give you an opportunity and possibility to rearrange, refactor, and reconfigure functionality of the master server without interfering directly in the master server file configuration. An advantage of it is instantly thought of if privacy, like for example a shared hosting for you, is a subject and you cannot customize the core settings of the main server.

 The problems resolved by .htaccess

 .htaccess file is a powerful and unique tool of the webmasters which enables them to implement almost all of the functions of the site in it without having to go through much complexity and lengthiness. Here are some of the most common uses:

1. URL Redirection and Rewriting: Operations such as guiding visitors from old internet pages to new ones or recomposing URLs into the fastest and friendliest ones with regard to SEO are made possible.

 2. Custom Error Pages: Instead of default server error messages, it is possible to create customized error pages (404 Not Found) that make user experience more attractive.

 3. Password Protection: .htaccess has the capability of defining specific areas within a website to remain inaccessible until the user has log in credentials.

 4. Enhancing Website Security: It offers you configurations that can save your site from tapping specific attacks and intrusion.

 5. Control File and Directory Access: This capability allows you to dictate what resources are accessible by customers or not.

 What is its File Location?

 In most cases the .htaccess file would be located in a websites root directory, but it can as well exist in each other directory.

The configuration that it applies to appears in the directory where it is located and for all the subdirectories beneath it. Take the case of the .htaccess file, which is located in the root directory, in this case the rule will be applied to the whole website.

 How to edit .htaccess ?

 Do take a backup of your website before making any changes to the .htaccess file because there might be a reason that you have to revert back to a previous version of your .htaccess file. These protection measures allow you to work more securely so that you can return your site to its default state when something goes wrong.

 Accessing via File Manager

 Most web hosting providers offer a File Manager tool in their control panel: 

 1. Log in to your control panel and then click on the File Manager.

 2. Bear to the directory having .htaccess file. Usually, it is your root directory/or public_html/Search this folder for any file with the .php extension.

 3. In case you don't see the file, you need to make sure hidden files are on at this point. For this, 'Preferences' might be an option in the settings and there might be a check in the File Manager settings to show hidden files (files that start with a dot).

 Editing .htaccess

 You can edit the .htaccess file directly within the File Manager:You can edit the .htaccess file directly within the File Manager:

 1. Open the .htaccess with the associated text editor that you will find under your File Manager.

 2. Change where fitting. Look after the syntax, because the simplest mistake can lead your platform to be inaccessible.

 3. Upon your approval, save the changes and click on the check website to verify that everything is operating as anticipated.

 Using an FTP Client

 If you prefer using an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck: 

 1. Get yourself connected to the website through the FTP client.

 2. Go to the directory into which you have already put your .htaccess file.

 3. Download the .htaccess file to the local computer drive but make a backup first.

 4. The file you have just downloaded opens in an ordinary text editor like Notepad or TextEdit, this is where you will need to introduce your changes, save it and you are done.

 5. Re-upload the file after making the necessary edits to the server. Whether you are cleaning up digital clutter or exhausting the data storage, ensuring that you change the old file is a must.

 Creating an .htaccess File

If your website does not have an .htaccess file, you can easily create one: 

 1. Open a plain text editor and save a blank file to your disk under the htaccess name.

 2. Put this file into the server's directory with the FileManager or FTP client where you would like the product to be.

 3. Perform the performance changes in the file as you were instructed in the previous section.

 Conclusion

 .htaccess file is a very competent tool that lets you easily tweak the server set-up of your website without touching the overall configuration. Whether it is about rewriting or redirecting the URLs, creating customized error pages, or protecting the directories, .htaccess has all means to improve or secure your site. It is essential to take a backup of your website at which time of making the alterations to avoid unintentional disruptions.