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Glossary – URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

Nikiforov Alexander
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What is a URL?

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a unique address used to identify web pages on the internet. It is a kind of "home address" in the digital space, allowing users to easily find the desired web pages, download files, or access specific documents. A URL is typically displayed in the browser's address bar or in search engine results — it is the link through which one can navigate to a resource.

The term URL was introduced in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web. He developed a system that allowed for the identification of each web page and resource on the internet. Within this system, standards for URLs were defined, as well as the development of the HTML markup language and the HTTP protocol.

Structure of a URL

The structure of a URL has clear components, some of which are mandatory, while others can be added optionally. The main components that are mandatory for any URL include:

  • Protocol: The method of accessing the resource. The most common protocols are http and https, but others such as ftp or mailto may also be encountered.
  • Domain name: This element serves to identify the site and points to the server where the resource is hosted. While an IP address can be used, a domain name is easier to remember and use.
  • Path to the page or file: Indicates where a specific page or file is located on the site, for example, /glossary/.

Additionally, a URL may contain the following optional components:

  • Port: Indicates the port number for accessing the resource. If the port is not specified, the browser defaults to 80 for http and 443 for https.
  • Query parameters: Additional data sent from the browser to the server, such as ?page=1.
  • Anchor: Points to a specific part of the page, such as a review section, and is indicated after the hash symbol #.

Types of URLs

There are different types and formats of URLs. The main types include:

  • Static URLs: These addresses are unchanging and point to permanent content without additional parameters, making them easier for search engines to index.
  • Dynamic URLs: These addresses can change depending on parameters and contain special characters such as ? and &. Such URLs are used on pages with dynamic content, for example, in online stores.

From an SEO perspective, static URLs are generally preferred, as they are easier to index and remember for users. However, dynamic URLs also have their advantages, allowing users to receive personalized content.

URLs can also be divided into absolute and relative. Absolute URLs contain the full address, for example http://www.example.com/images/, while relative URLs describe the path relative to the current location, for example images/photo.jpg.

How to Properly Form a URL

When creating URLs, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure they are understandable and convenient for users:

  • Create user-friendly URLs: Use words that describe the content of the page instead of numeric identifiers. For example, https://www.example.com/blog/10-seo-tips-for-beginners is preferable to https://www.example.com/index.php?id_sezione=360&sid=3a5ebc944f41daa6f849f730f1.
  • Use hyphens: To separate words, use hyphens (-), as this improves indexing and understanding of the address structure.
  • Avoid special characters: Do not use spaces, commas, periods, or capital letters in URLs, as this can lead to indexing issues.

By following these tips, you can create effective and user-friendly URLs that will contribute to the successful promotion of your site in search engines.