If asked what a URL is, some people might think that a URL is a web address which is basically the same as a domain. In fact, domains and URLs are actually different. URLs have several elements, such as network communication protocols, subdomains, domain names, and their extensions.
In other words, the domain is part of the URL. Domains cannot be changed, while URLs can be changed and it is recommended for website owners to create clear URLs. Because the function of a URL is to make it easier for visitors to access certain addresses and content on the website.
For those of you who often use the internet, you must have often heard the term URL. However, maybe some people don't know the details about it. To add insight, we will discuss URLs, starting from their meaning, functions, types, and examples. Come on, see the article below!
What is the URL with Example?
URL or abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator is a series of websites listed, containing folder names, language protocols and so on that lead to the WWW (world wide web). The URL is not the same as the domain where the domain is the name of the site, while the URL will direct the user to one of the pages on the site.
Each URL contains a domain name, as well as other components needed to find a specific page or content. URLs also have an important role on the internet because they allow internet users to search for various things they want.
An example of a URL is http://www.google.com. A domain name is a simpler form of URL. Usually a domain also refers to a business or trade name. Like Google, Google's domain name is google.com, while the URL name is http://www.google.com.
What Are the Functions of URLs?
URLs play a very vital role on the internet because they allow users to access the internet to search for various things they want. Here are some other URL functions:
- Give a name to a document on a website.
- Makes it easy for users to remember the address of the document they are looking for.
- Recognize documents on the website.
- Make it easier for users to access and search for files on the internet with the right address, because there are so many addresses on the internet.
How does a URL Structure Function?
Broadly speaking, URLs consist of four parts which are then combined into a complete structure, including:
1. Protocol
In general, the Protocol is the part of the URL that describes how the communication process will be carried out. If interpreted simply, the Protocol is a set of rules that explain how the communication process occurs between two or more computers.
The network will follow these rules in order to transmit data properly. The types of protocols that you generally find on the internet are https and http. In the browser itself, Protocol is an optional part. This means you can type the URL whether it's with Protocol or not in the address bar of the browser.
2. Computer Host Name (Host)
After the protocol, the part of the URL is the computer's hostname which is commonly called the WWW (World Wide Web). But this section can be used or not.
When we visit sites on the internet, we will find that there are sites that use www but there are also sites without using www.
3. Domain Names (Domain Names)
Domain is the name of the site or the name that shows the site address. This indicates which Web server is being requested.
For example, Google.com, Twitter.com, Facebook.com, and so on. There are two types, namely paid for example (.com, .net, .info) or free for example using a subdomain of blogger.com. Alternatively, it is possible to use IP addresses.
4. Path
Path is the path to the resource on the Web server. In the early days of the Web, paths represented physical file locations on Web servers. Today, most are abstractions handled by Web servers without physical reality.
Apart from the four parts of the URL above, there are also two other parts of the URL that you often encounter on a website. The parts of the URL include Parameters and Anchor.
5. Parameter
Parameter is a query on the URL. Generally, Parameters function to process a data on the page dynamically. In the URL itself, parameter definitions are prefixed with ? as well as the location after the URL Path.
URLs that have a Parameters section are generally what you often encounter on online buying and selling sites.
6. Anchor
Anchor is a query that functions as a page navigation interest. This part of the URL is used to create a link that can point to a certain part of a web page. In a URL itself, the definition of Anchor is generally written with a # prefix and is located at the end of the URL.
What are the Types of URLs?
An absolute URL is an address that contains complete information, from protocol to path or parameters. In contrast, a relative URL is an address that only includes the path. The relative type is often used to refer to links within the same domain.
In general, the most popular types of URLs are absolute and relative. There are actually various types of URLs that you can use, including:
1. Absolute URLs
Absolute URL is a complete address that includes the domain name. The address also directly determines the location of the document or director on the internet. The compilation format of an Absolute URL is domain-directory-document. Which means the directory is in a domain, while the document is contained in a directory in the main domain.
Examples of directories that are in the domain and documents that are in the directory
<img src=http://www.namasitus.com/images/image.jpg>
2. Relative URLs
A Relative URL is a URL that determines an address according to the currently active URL. If an Absolute URL already has a standard format or arrangement, then it is different from a Relative URL. This URL does not have a standard arrangement format because there is only an indication of the name of the document that we are currently opening on an internet page.
Example :
<umg src=”image.jpg”>
So, here are several types of URLs according to their function:
- Canonical. Website owners can use this type if they have duplicate content. By setting one of the URLs as canonical, search engines will know which addresses to crawl and index.
- Callbacks. This type of URL leads to the initial destination after the visitor completes the process on an external system.
- Vanities. Also known as a short custom URL, this type is a web address that is easy to remember. Usually, this type is a redirect from another, longer URL. Website owners can use URL shortening tools such as Bitly, Short.io, and TinyURL, to create vanity URLs.
What is the Syntax for URL?
URL Syntax is a set of mandatory rules for URLs. This syntax regulates which components and symbols are allowed in a URL.
Examples of general syntax are as follows:
http://subdomain.domain-name.domain-extension/path-to-resource?parameter
Then, the characters that can be used in this syntax are also limited, only numbers, letters and a few characters, namely ()!$-'_*+.
To use other characters, the website owner must translate the characters into code like a programming language. For example, because there cannot be spaces, website owners usually use the plus symbol, dash, or %20 instead.
URLs can contain anchor links, which are also called page jumps or fragment identifiers. These elements are marked with a pound sign (#), which indicates a specific section within the resource.
How do I Create my own URL?
If you want to create a unique URL, such as Erzedka.com, microsoft.com, or linux.org, buy a domain extension from a credible and trusted registrar.
A registrar is a company registered with ICANN, whose job is to manage domain orders and renewals. Some examples of the most popular domain registrars include Google Domains, Cloudflare, and Domain.com.
However, custom domain names can also be obtained from hosting companies that offer domain registration services. Here's a guide to buying a domain:
- Make sure the domain name is available. To do this, type the domain name and extension you want in the domain check tool column. This tool will display availability information and other domain name alternatives.
- Proceed to checkout. In this step, you need to select the domain name registration period. Typically, registrars provide a minimum period of one year. However, there are also registrars who offer periods of up to ten years.
- Complete the domain registration process. Once payment is confirmed, the domain registrar will ask you to fill out a setup form, which contains your name, email, address, and contact information. Make sure you fill it in correctly.
- Verify domain name ownership. A verification link will be sent to the email address you used for registration, a few minutes after the registration process is complete. If the email doesn't exist, you can submit a request via the domain control panel.
Because domain registration is not a one-time and forever purchase, owners should always note and remember the expiration date of their domains.
Conclusion
The abbreviation for URL is Uniform Resource Locator, which is a complete web address that leads to a particular file on the internet. For example, this address can lead to a website, web page, or image.
The URL structure consists of several elements:
- HTTP or HTTPS. Network communication protocol that connects web servers and web browsers. HTTPS is more secure than HTTP.
- www. Also called a subdomain, www is the part before the first dot in the URL. Website owners can also use any word or phrase as a subdomain, for website management purposes.
- Domain name. A domain or website address is the name that a user types into a browser to open a website.
- Domain extension. The final part of a domain name, such as .com and .org.
- Path (path) to the resource. This element is separated by a slash (/), and functions to provide additional information on the website address.
- Parameter. Generally also called a query string or variable, marked with a question mark.
To create or modify a website address, users must register a domain name through a credible registrar. Or, you can also use a trusted hosting provider that offers domain registration services.
By knowing more about what a URL is, you don't need to be confused anymore when you want to identify a file on the internet. The reason is, the character of the URL itself will make it very easy for you as an internet user when looking for the information you need.
The existence of the URL itself is very important for the development of the digital world. This is none other than because with URLs we will find it easier to remember domain names on a website. If there is no URL then you have to remember the IP number on the website. So how, do you have a deeper understanding of what a URL is?