URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the internet, such as websites, files, or services. It provides the necessary information to locate a specific resource on the web.
Key Components:
- Protocol: Specifies how data is transferred (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, FTP).
- Domain Name: The human-readable address (e.g., www.example.com).
- Path: The specific location of a resource within a website (e.g., /about).
- Query String (optional): Parameters added to a URL for dynamic content (e.g., ?id=123).
Common Uses:
- Web Browsing: Used to visit websites by typing the URL into a browser.
- File Access: Access files hosted on web servers.
- APIs: Used to make requests to web services.
In summary, URL is the standard way to address and locate resources on the internet, making it essential for navigation and web interactions.