Definition
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a reference (an address) to a resource on the Internet. It is used by web browsers to retrieve and display resources such as web pages, images, videos, and more. A URL provides the essential means to navigate the World Wide Web by specifying the location of a resource and the protocol used to access it.
Structure of a URL
A URL typically consists of the following components:
- Protocol: Specifies the method of access, such as
http,https,ftp, etc. - Domain Name: Indicates the server where the resource is hosted (e.g.,
www.example.com). - Port: An optional number after the domain specifying a particular service on the server (common ports are 80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS).
- Path: The location of the resource on the server (e.g.,
/path/to/resource). - Query String: Provides additional parameters (e.g.,
?id=123). - Fragment: A reference to a particular section within the resource (e.g.,
#section2).
Example of a URL
https://www.example.com:443/path/to/resource?query=example#fragment
- Protocol:
https - Domain Name:
www.example.com - Port:
443 - Path:
/path/to/resource - Query String:
query=example - Fragment:
#fragment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of a URL?
The primary purpose of a URL is to enable web browsers and other internet-connected applications to locate and retrieve resources on the Internet.
What is the difference between a URL and a URI?
A URL is a type of Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). While all URLs are URIs, not all URIs are URLs. A URI can be a name, locator, or both for a resource, whereas a URL specifically provides the means to access that resource.
Are URLs case-sensitive?
The scheme and domain names in URLs are not case-sensitive. However, the path, query string, and fragment identifiers are case-sensitive.
Can a URL contain special characters?
Yes, URLs can contain special characters. However, these characters need to be URL-encoded, such as space (%20) or an ampersand (%26).
What happens if I mistype a URL in my web browser?
If you mistype a URL, you may encounter a 404 error indicating that the page could not be found, or you might land on an unintended website.
Related Terms
URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)
A string of characters used to identify a resource, encompassing both URNs (Uniform Resource Names) and URLs (Uniform Resource Locators).
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used to transfer data over the web. HTTP is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web.
Domain Name
A human-readable address used to identify a server or network resource, usually mapped to an IP address.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
An extension of HTTP that uses encryption to secure data transactions over the internet.
References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics” by Jennifer Robbins
- “Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery Set” by Jon Duckett
- “HTTP: The Definitive Guide” by David Gourley and Brian Totty
Fundamentals of URLs: Web Browsing Basics Quiz
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