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The .htaccess file, often referred to as a configuration file, is a distributed configuration file used by the Apache web server. It allows for per-directory configuration, meaning that settings can be applied to specific directories on a website rather than globally. This file is placed within a directory and its directives are inherited by subdirectories.

The primary purpose of .htaccess is to enable dynamic alterations to the server's configuration without needing to alter the main server configuration files. This is particularly useful for web hosting environments where users are not granted direct access to the main Apache configuration files. Common uses include URL redirection, password protection for directories, controlling access, and custom error pages.

When a request is made to a directory containing an .htaccess file, Apache reads the file and applies the specified directives. This process can add overhead to server performance, as Apache checks for and parses .htaccess files in every directory leading up to the requested file. Therefore, for performance-critical sites, it is generally recommended to move directives from .htaccess files into the main Apache configuration (e.g., httpd.conf or apache2.conf) where possible.

Directives within an .htaccess file are processed in a specific order, and their availability can be controlled by the main server configuration using the AllowOverride directive. This directive determines which configuration options can be overridden by .htaccess files. For security reasons, it is crucial to configure AllowOverride appropriately to prevent malicious or unintended changes to the server's behavior.