what is URL structure

 

What is URL Structure?

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the internet. It follows a structured format that helps locate web pages, files, or services on a server.

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Basic URL Structure

A URL typically follows this format:

bash

scheme://hostname:port/path?query#fragment

Each part serves a specific purpose.

1. Scheme (Protocol)

• Specifies how the resource is accessed.
• Common schemes:
  • http:// → Standard web browsing
  • https:// → Secure web browsing
  • ftp:// → File transfer
  • mailto: → Email links

Example:

https://www.example.com

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2. Hostname (Domain or IP Address)

• Identifies the web server hosting the resource.
• Can be:
  • A domain name (e.g., www.example.com)
  • An IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

Example:

https://example.com

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3. Port (Optional)

• Specifies the port number on the server.
• Default ports:
  • HTTP → 80
  • HTTPS → 443
• A custom port is sometimes specified.

Example:

https://example.com:8080

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4. Path

• Specifies the location of the resource on the server.
• Works like a directory structure.

Example:

https://example.com/products/shoes

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5. Query Parameters

• Starts with ? and contains key-value pairs (key=value).
• Used to send data to the server.
• Multiple parameters are separated by &.

Example:

https://example.com/search?q=shoes&category=men

• q=shoes → Search term
• category=men → Filter

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6. Fragment (Anchor)

• Starts with # and links to a specific section of the page.

Example:

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Conclusion

The URL structure is essential for locating and accessing resources on the internet. It consists of multiple components, including the scheme, hostname, port, path, query parameters, and fragment, each serving a specific function. A well-structured URL improves SEO, user experience, and website organization, making it easier for both users and search engines to navigate the web efficiently.