Using a website may provide you with your first opportunity to use a Linux-based operating system. For the most part, Linux accomplishes tasks in a similar fashion to Windows or Mac OS X, but there are some important filesystem differences that you will need to know. One of them is how Linux recognizes hidden files.
If you use Mac OS X, you are already familiar with the Unix hidden file method. Often called dotfiles, these files are hidden because of the dot or period that precedes the file name. As long as that dot is there, the file stays hidden. Remove it, and the file instantly becomes visible.
Generally, only a few files are hidden on a website. The .htaccess file is one of the most common. The main purpose of hiding certain files is to prevent users from accidentally removing important data. If, however, you are comfortable with your file system, you can safely enable viewing of hidden files to make it easier to work with them.
In cPanel, the file manger will ask you if you want to show hidden files in the preliminary “File Manager Directory Selection” popup that appears when you start it. Simply check the box next to “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” and click “Go”.
If you have disabled the above-mentioned popup and need to enable hidden files, you can get the popup to appear again by clicking “reset all interface settings” at the bottom of your main cPanel administration page. You can then proceed using the same instructions mentioned above.