Uniform resource locator (URL)

A Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, is the full web address used to find a specific page or file on the internet. It tells your browser where to go and what to load.

For example:

https://www.example.com/blog/article.html

This is a complete URL that points to a specific blog article.

Why Are URLs Important?

URLs are essential for:

  • Navigating the web – Every webpage, image, or file on the internet has its own URL.
  • Sharing content – URLs are what we copy and paste to share links.
  • SEO – Search engines use URLs to find and organize web pages.

Basic Parts of a URL

A standard URL includes several key components:

  1. Protocol – Tells the browser how to access the resource (e.g., http or https)
  2. Domain Name – The name of the website (e.g., www.example.com)
  3. Path – The specific location of the page or file (e.g., /blog/article.html)

Optional parts may include:

  • Port – Used in special cases for server access (e.g., :443)
  • Query string – Extra info after a ?, often used in forms or tracking
  • Fragment – A link to a specific part of a page (e.g., #section1)

SEO and URLs

For SEO, good URL structure helps search engines and users understand what a page is about. Tips for SEO-friendly URLs:

  • Keep them short and descriptive
  • Use keywords related to the page topic
  • Avoid using random numbers or special characters
  • Use hyphens – to separate words (not underscores _)

Example:

✅ www.example.com/seo-guide

❌ www.example.com/page?id=123

Summary

A URL is the digital address for any resource on the web. It plays a key role in navigation, SEO, and how users interact with websites. A clear and well-structured URL can improve both user experience and search engine visibility.