A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the web address used to find a specific resource on the internet. It is a kind of path that helps you reach a particular website, page, image, video, or other type of file. A URL consists of different parts, each having a specific function.
Components of a URL
A typical URL looks like this: https://www.example.com/path/to/page?query=parameter#fragment
Let's take a closer look at the different parts of this URL:
-
Protocol (
https://): This indicates which protocol is used to retrieve the resource. The most common arehttp(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) andhttps(HTTP Secure). Thehttpsprotocol is a secure version ofhttp, encrypting communication between the browser and the server. -
Domain name (
www.example.com): This is the unique name of the website. The domain name usually consists of a subdomain (www), a main domain (example), and a top-level domain (.com). The domain name directs you to the server where the desired resource is stored. -
Path (
/path/to/page): This part of the URL indicates which specific file or page you want to open on the website. The path helps the server identify the correct resource. -
Query (
?query=parameter): This optional part of the URL contains additional parameters passed to the server. These parameters are usually used to apply specific searches or filters. Each parameter in the query is separated by an&sign. -
Fragment (
#fragment): This optional part of the URL refers to a specific section of the page. It is often used to jump to a particular paragraph or anchor point within a page.
Example of a URL
Let's look at an example: https://www.voorbeeld.be/artikelen/wat-is-een-url?zoekterm=url#definitie
- Protocol:
https - Domain name:
www.voorbeeld.be - Path:
/artikelen/wat-is-een-url - Query:
?zoekterm=url - Fragment:
#definitie
This URL would lead you to an article on the website voorbeeld.be that explains what a URL is, with a search term filter of "url" and a jump to the section providing the definition.
Conclusion
A URL is an essential part of the internet that helps locate resources efficiently and accurately. By using different components within a URL, users and servers can precisely determine where to go and what to retrieve. Understanding how a URL works can help with better navigating and using the internet.