What Is a URL?

A URL, also known as a Uniform Resource Locator, is typically used to locate web pages and other internet resources. It’s a web address that points users to particular content on the web. Browsers utilize it as a key mechanism to retrieve published resources. They can also be used to locate images, videos, and audio files.

Each valid URL points to a unique resource. URL contains information about what you're looking for as well as the protocol used to access it. In other words, URLs enable the identification of online locations, allowing you to view or download content.

Anatomy of a URL: A Beginner’s Guide

Before delving into the nitty-gritty details of URL, it is essential to understand what is a URL first. So let’s get straight to learning its anatomy with an example for better clarity. Also, we’ll explain the structure of a URL to help you understand all the components that go into making one. 

What Is a URL: Examples!

You should type a URL directly when you know the exact web address, want to access a familiar site quickly, or prioritize direct access and speed. When visiting popular sites like Amazon, YouTube, Instagram, or Wikipedia, your browser uses their web addresses (URLs) to reach them.

• https://www.amazon.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/
• https://www.wikipedia.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/

Once you enter any of these in your browser’s address bar, it will automatically direct you to the specific website.

URLs can also get more specific depending on the parameters you set. 

To say, 

The /bestsellers/ takes users to Amazon’s Best Sellers page. Similarly, /natgeo/ on Instagram will bring you to the National Geographic profile. 

Or, on Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II leads to the article about World War II.

Similar to the content, even uploaded images have their own URLs. Users can access the sites without any hassle. For example, https://picsum.photos/200/300

Structure of a URL: Finding the Key Elements 

Many factors contribute to the creation of a URL. Here’s a breakdown of all the elements. 

1. Protocol (HTTP or HTTPS)

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and HTTP Secure (HTTPS) are used for communication between web browsers and web servers. They work by sharing data to show websites.

The key difference is that HTTPS is secure — it encrypts the data, keeping it safe from hackers. That’s why HTTPS is better for protecting websites and is also preferred by search engines.

Another difference is in the port numbers they use:

• HTTP uses port 80
• HTTPS uses port 443 and adds TLS (Transport Layer Security) for encryption

In short, HTTPS = a secure and safer version of HTTP.

2. Subdomain (www.)

Subdomain refers to the words and phrases before the URL’s first dot — for example, www. It means that one can access the website through the internet. And uses HTTP for communication.

Site owners can utilize any word as a subdomain to organize their website. It points to a specific section of the main domain. Common examples include "blog" or "news".

3. Domain Name (Website Name)

A domain name is the address that needs to be typed to access a website. It can be a site name and an extension.

All names represent an IP address, pointing to the website’s server. It is typically used to help users access websites without hassle.

4. Domain Extension (.com, .org, .edu, .net, etc.)

A domain extension is also referred to as a top-level domain (TLD). The most popular and globally renowned extension is .com. It is typically used for commercial sites. 

Some other examples include: 

• .org: for organizations 
• .gov: for government agencies (including the U.S. national and state government agencies)
• .edu: for educational institutions  
• .biz: for businesses
• .info: for information 
• .net: network 
• .int: international  

Country-specific TLDs are: 

• .in: for India
• .uk: for the United Kingdom 
• .de: for Germany 
• .fr: for France
• .cn: for China
• .it: for Italy
• .pt: for Portugal
• .es: for Spain

Other TLD Types are shown in a tabular format below: 

5. Path to the Resource (Page Directed)

The part towards the right of the TLD refers to the path to the resource. It is also known as the website's folder structure. It typically provides additional information to a web server, allowing it to access the specific location easily. A series of paths to resources may direct you to a particular page, post, or file.

A URL can have multiple paths to resources. In such a case, they’ll be separated through the forward-slash sign (/). The more paths to resources a URL contains, the more specific the location is.

6. Parameters

Parameters are extra details added to a URL after a question mark (?).

They come as key-value pairs, like this: key=value.

If there are multiple parameters, they are usually separated by an ampersand (&).

Common use cases include:

• Searching from a website’s internal search engine 
• Tracking helps to track traffic from ads and marketing campaigns 
• Translating aids in translating content into the native language 
• Filtering separates different fields, such as color, topic, price, region, etc. 
• Pagination helps in sorting content for e-commerce websites 

What Is a URL Syntax

Now, let’s learn what is a URL Syntax. As you all know, a URL follows a specific set of rules, called syntax, that defines how it’s structured.

A typical URL looks like this: http://subdomain.domain-name.extension/path?parameters

Allowed Characters

URLs can only include:

Numbers, letters, and a few special characters like: ()!$-‘_*+

Spaces are not allowed. Instead, use:

• - Hyphen 
• + plus sign 
• %20 (URL code for space)

Anchor Links (Page Jumps)

A URL can include an anchor, marked by a hash symbol (#). This links to a specific part of a page - called a fragment or page jump.

For example, when you find /bestsellers/ or /profile name/ on Instagram, the URL takes you straight to that section.

On a webpage, it scrolls to a section. On the other hand, on a video or audio file, it can jump to a specific timestamp (in modern browsers). 

Different Types of URLs

Popularly, there are only two types of URLS: absolute and relative. 

Absolute URLs contain complete information, from the protocol to the path to resources or parameters. Relative URL only includes the path to resources.

Based on function, other types of URLs are: 

1. Vanity URLs (Custom Short URLs): A redirect of a long URL, featuring ease of remembrance.
2. Canonical URLs: Help tell search engines which version of a page to index when there’s duplicate content.
3. Callback URLs (Return URLs): Take users back to your site after they complete something on another platform.

Where to Find a URL: Location

URLs are easy to find in the browser’s address bar at the top. Laptop and desktop users can find a URL quickly in the address bar while scrolling through web pages. It stays visible throughout.

On the other hand, mobile phone users may struggle to find it. On mobile devices, the URL often hides when you scroll down but reappears when you scroll back up.

Opening a URL: Step-by-Step Guide 

The more you know about your search parameters, the easier it is to type the URL in the address bar. Here are some more ways to open a URL.

1. Click a Hyperlink: 

One of the easiest ways to open a URL is by clicking the hyperlink. A hyperlink can be a word, icon, or image that connects to another page or website. When users hover over it, they’ll see the destination URL at the bottom of their browser window.

2. Scan a QR Code: 

Scanning a QR code is another excellent way to open a URL. Most digital devices have a black and white readable barcode. It contains numerous pieces of data, such as web links, account information, and even encryption details.   

3. Copy and Paste a Website URL

Another practical way of opening a URL is by copying and pasting it. Simply copy a URL and directly paste it into any browser’s address bar, and it will open it. 

Using URLs: A Guide

Knowing what is a URL is not enough unless you know the proper process of using it. You can type any URL inside your browser’s address bar to get to the resource behind it. However, full-length URLs can look awfully confusing.

Here, HTTP language has a significant role to play as it makes the most extensive use of URLs.

It uses the <a> element to create links to other documents.

HTTP helps link a document with its related resources via various elements such as <link> or <script>.

HTTP can employ the (<img> element) to display images. Similarly, it can leverage the (<video> element)  to display videos. And the <audio> element) to display sound and music.

Uses the <iframe> element to display other HTML documents.

Always use HTTP or HTTPS URLs for resources like scripts, images, videos, or audio in your webpage.

FTP and similar types aren’t secure. Most modern browsers don’t support them anymore.

The Applications of a URL in a PDF File

The practical usage of a URL in a PDF file is to create interactive, dynamic documents that can direct users to external resources or specific sections of the same document. This transforms a static document into a hub for accessing expanded information, source materials, and other media.

With a simple URL, you can direct readers directly to specific pages in a PDF file while also leveraging additional impact. This functionality is not only practical but can also be incredibly effective in making important information easily accessible in multiple scenarios.

• For external content and resources
• For document navigation and structure
• For efficiency and security

Best Practices For Using URLs in a PDF File

To get the most out of URLs in PDF documents, follow these best practices:

• Keep your URLs relevant: Make sure your links lead to credible and relevant information.
• Update URLs regularly: Make sure all links are working and remove any outdated information to maintain the integrity of the document.
• Use descriptive text: Instead of vague phrases like "click here", use descriptive text that shows the reader what to expect.

External reading: Methods To Create a Link to a PDF

Final Wrap Up

Now you know what is a URL and all its related aspects. A URL links people to websites, files, or parts of a page. We have gone over its structure and various types in detail. Knowing URLs helps you browse the web easily, share links, and create good, safe websites.

What Is a URL: FAQs

Q.1. Is a URL synonymous with an IP address?

No. A URL is different from an IP address. A URL is a human-readable web address (like https://example.com). However, an IP address is a numerical label (like 192.0.2.1) that identifies a device on a network. The URL points to the IP address behind the scenes.

Q.2. How can I block a URL?

To block a URL, you can employ four ways: 

• Use a Google Chrome extension(e.g., Blocksite)
• Edit the hosts file
• Create a child account using the built-in parental controls
• Mobile users can easily install a site blocker

Q.3. What is the difference between a URL and a URI? 

Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) are strings of characters used to recognize a resource over a network. On the contrary, a URL is the most common type of URI. URLs are essential to navigating the internet.