How can PHP scripts access files in directories protected by htaccess?

PHP scripts can access files in directories protected by htaccess by using PHP's `file_get_contents()` function to read the contents of the file. This function allows PHP to bypass the restrictions set by the htaccess file and access the file's contents directly. However, it is important to note that this method may not work if the htaccess file specifically blocks PHP scripts from accessing the directory.

$file_contents = file_get_contents('protected_directory/protected_file.txt');
echo $file_contents;