A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is a structured address used to identify resources on the web. It tells a browser or client where to find a specific page, file, or API endpoint. URLs consist of components such as protocol, hostname, path, query parameters, and optionally a port. Every web request relies on a URL to determine where to send data. URLs enable linking, navigation, and resource discovery across the internet. They form the backbone of web communication.
key characteristics
A typical URL begins with a protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS, followed by a domain name and path. Query parameters allow clients to pass filters or options to the server. URLs must be encoded properly so special characters are represented safely. Backend services use URLs to define endpoints for API communication. Understanding URLs helps developers debug routing, redirects, caching, and network errors.