What is the Full Form of URL?
The full form of URL is Uniform Resource Locator.
A URL is the unique address of a resource on the internet, whether it’s a webpage, image, video, file, or document. It helps browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari locate and fetch the requested resource from the correct server.
Example of a URL:
👉 https://www.example.com/index.html
Here, every part of the URL plays a specific role in identifying the location of the resource.
Why is a URL Important?
Just like a home address helps people find your house, a URL helps browsers and search engines find a resource on the internet. Without URLs, navigating the web would be impossible because computers need precise instructions on where to locate and retrieve information.
Key Components of a URL
A standard URL is made up of several components. Let’s break it down using an example:
👉 https://www.example.com:443/path/page.html?search=keyword#section
1. Protocol (Scheme)
Example:
https://Defines the set of rules the browser must follow to communicate with the server.
Common protocols:
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
HTTPS (Secure HTTP)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
2. Domain Name (or Hostname)
Example:
www.example.comIt is the human-readable name of the server hosting the resource.
Behind the scenes, the domain corresponds to an IP address.
3. Port Number (Optional)
Example:
:443Specifies the technical “entry point” on the server.
Default ports:
80→ HTTP443→ HTTPS
4. Path
Example:
/path/page.htmlSpecifies the exact directory or file location on the server.
5. Query String
Example:
?search=keywordContains key-value pairs of information passed to the server.
Used in searches, filters, or submitting form data.
6. Fragment Identifier (Anchor Tag)
Example:
#sectionPoints to a specific section within a webpage.
Doesn’t reload the page, only scrolls to that part.
Uses of URL
Accessing Websites
Every webpage has a unique URL that allows users to visit it.
Example:
https://www.google.com
Downloading Files
Direct file links like PDFs, images, and software can be downloaded using URLs.
Linking Resources
URLs are used in HTML to link pages, images, stylesheets, and JavaScript files.
API Integration
Developers use URLs to connect applications with online services (e.g., Google Maps API).
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Clean and descriptive URLs improve ranking and user experience.
Applications of URL in Daily Life
Education: Accessing online learning platforms, digital libraries, and research papers.
Business: Online stores, e-banking, and corporate websites rely on URLs for customer access.
Social Media: Every post, profile, or image has a unique URL.
Healthcare: Hospitals use secure URLs for online appointments and reports.
Government Services: Tax filing, Aadhaar services, passport applications are all URL-driven portals.
Difference Between URL, URI, and URN
| Term | Full Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator | Complete address of a web resource | https://example.com/page.html |
| URI | Uniform Resource Identifier | Identifies a resource (can be URL or URN) | urn:isbn:0451450523 |
| URN | Uniform Resource Name | Name of resource, independent of location | urn:oasis:names:docbook:dtd:xml:4.1.2 |
Advantages of URLs
Human-readable format compared to raw IP addresses.
Standardized system accepted globally.
Enables sharing and bookmarking of resources.
Supports secure communication via HTTPS.
Conclusion
The URL full form is Uniform Resource Locator, and it acts as the address of the internet. Every website, video, image, or file we access online uses a URL to connect users with servers.
By understanding the components of a URL (protocol, domain, path, query, fragment), we can better appreciate how the internet functions. Whether for browsing, business, education, or development, URLs are the backbone of the web.
