What is htaccess? What does it mean in programming language?

[Aienstaien]

What is htaccess file? and what is the meaning of htaccess in programming language I have seen this file most of the time in the site development does it contain important data inside it? How does it maintain the code inside it.?

[Timothi]

The Apache Web server provides a feature called .htaccess file, which provides commands to control a Web site. If you're reorganising your site and moving pages around, you can use the .htaccess file to redirect visitors from the old page to the new one. An .htaccess file is simply a text file containing Apache directives. Those directives apply to the documents in the directory where the .htaccess file is located, and to all subdirectories under it as well. Other .htaccess files in subdirectories may change or nullify the effects of those in parent directories.

[Billie]

Because the server should check the .htaccess file before anything is delivered to the client, you can use it to password protect parts of your site. Apache .htaccess files let you override the Web server configuration on a per-directory hierarchial basis, and are active in the creation of proper 301 redirects.This script allows you to manage multiple usernames/passwords for .htaccess/.htpasswd directory protection.

[Janet J]

Web server checks for a .htaccess file when a visitor/spider requests a web page. Keep in mind that commands in .htaccess files should be placed on one line only, so if your text editor uses word-wrap, make sure its disabled. The .htaccess file can be placed in one or more of your /home/user/public_html subdirectories. Among other things, this file can be used to restrict access to other files and web pages. When a request for a web page is made, the web server first checks for an .htaccess file. The .htaccess file contains specific orders for certain requests, including security, redirection issues and how to handle certain errors.

[maxx_jatt]

.htaccess is also used for web SEO?