What is a URL and why is it so important for browsing the Internet?

Last update: 18/06/2025

  • A URL is the unique address of each resource accessible on the web.
  • URLs allow browsers to locate pages, files, or images on the Internet.
  • The structure of a URL is made up of different key parts such as the protocol, the domain, and the path.
  • The correct use of URLs is crucial for the organization and positioning of any website.
 URL

The Internet is full of terms that sometimes go unnoticed, but which are the basis of how the network works. One of these concepts is URL a whirlpool bath, a fundamental piece to move through any page, access online services or share information. Although we use it daily, Do we really know what a URL is for and how it is formed?

Using URLs allows us to quickly connect to any resource hosted on the Internet, whether it's a video, an image, your favorite social network, or a company's contact section. Every time you enter an address in the browser, you are using a URL without realizing it.

What exactly is a URL?

Generic example of a URL on the web

The word URL responds to the acronym in English for “Uniform resource locator”, which can be translated as Uniform Resource Locator. This is the exclusive address that each page, file or element accessible through the network hasWithout URLs, browsers wouldn't know where to direct us when we request to visit a website.

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Every time we access a page, behind that simple gesture there is a URL which indicates exactly where the resource we want to see is hosted and how it should be displayed. The URLs not only identify web pages, but also images, documents, videos and almost any type of digital content you can imagine.

Main parts of a URL

Parts of a URL

La structure of a URL It may seem complicated at first, but understanding its components helps you navigate more efficiently and detect potential fraud or errors. A URL is typically made up of these parts:

  • Protocol: It is the first thing we see (for example, "https://" or "http://") and indicates the system that the browser will use to communicate with the web server.
  • Domain: It is the unique name that corresponds to the website we are visiting, such as "tecnobits.com ”.
  • Path: It refers to the specific path within the domain, pointing to specific folders or files, such as "/articles/what-is-a-url."
  • Parameters (optional): They are added after a “?”, and are used to send additional information, such as user preferences or search filters.
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These parts make each address on the web unique and allow the browser to find exactly what we are looking for.

Why URLs are so relevant

Importance of URLs for navigation

URLs not only allow you to locate resources, they also perform other essential functions: They facilitate the organization of content on a website, improve the user experience and are essential for search engine positioning.Proper use of URLs helps make any digital project easy to navigate, allowing users to access it from Google or other search engines.

The Good practices recommend using clear, simple and descriptive URLs, avoiding meaningless sequences of letters and numbers.This way, it will be easier for both humans and search engine robots to understand the content of each page.

How are URLs built and used?

What is a URL

Creating a URL may seem like a technical task, but in reality anyone can understand it. Every website, from the simplest to the largest news portals, structure your addresses following similar principles: each section, product or item has a unique route.

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For example, a domain like “www.example.com” can have several related URLs: “www.example.com/contact”, “www.example.com/blog/what-is-url”, etc. Each one leads to a specific resource, facilitating the organization and location of information. And when sharing a URL, We guarantee that anyone can directly access the content concrete that we want to show, without detours or confusion.

Knowing what a URL is and what it's used for helps you browse more safely, identify reliable pages, and make the most of the Internet, both in your daily life and for professional or personal projects. This element, despite its size, is essential for understanding how the web works and improving your online presence.

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