Website URL Parts Explained for Beginners

As a seasoned web developer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing the world of website addresses can be for beginners. It’s not uncommon to hear questions like, “What’s the difference between a URL and a domain name?” or “Why does my website URL have so many weird parts?”

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the parts of a website URL in simple terms, making it easy for you to understand even if you’re brand new to the internet. We’ll cover everything from the basics of the protocol and domain name to more advanced concepts like subdomains and anchor links.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of website URLs and how they function, giving you a better understanding of how websites are organized and accessed online.

What is a Website URL?

Imagine the internet as a vast city with countless buildings, each representing a different website. To find a specific building, you need an address – and that’s where URLs come in.

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is essentially the address of a website on the internet. It’s a unique string of characters that tells web browsers where to find a specific website, document, image, or resource.

Think of it like a physical address:

• **Street Address:** The domain name, which identifies the website itself (e.g., “www.example.com”).
• **City, State, Zip Code:** The top-level domain (TLD), which indicates the website’s type (e.g., “.com”, “.org”, “.net”).
• **Apartment Number:** The path to a specific page or resource on the website (e.g., “/about-us”).

Here’s an example of a typical URL:

https://www.example.com/blog/how-to-create-a-website/

Understanding the Parts of a URL

Let’s break down each element of a URL in detail:

1. Protocol

The protocol is the first part of a URL, typically followed by a colon and two forward slashes (//). It tells your browser how to connect to the website and what type of information to expect.

The most common protocols are:

• **HTTP:** (HyperText Transfer Protocol) The standard protocol for transferring files over the internet. It’s what most websites use to deliver content.
• **HTTPS:** (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) A more secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect data transmitted between your browser and the website. You’ll often see HTTPS on websites that handle sensitive information like personal data or financial transactions.

Most browsers automatically add the correct protocol, so you usually don’t have to type it yourself. However, it’s important to understand that HTTPS is always the preferred option for security reasons.

2. Domain Name

The domain name is the most recognizable part of a URL. It’s the unique name that identifies your website and is what users type into their browsers to access it.

There are two main parts to a domain name:

• **Second-Level Domain (SLD):** The actual name you choose (e.g., “example”).
• **Top-Level Domain (TLD):** The extension that comes after the SLD, indicating the website’s type (e.g., “.com”, “.org”, “.net”).

When choosing a domain name, it’s crucial to select a memorable and relevant name that accurately reflects your website’s content and brand.

3. Path

The path is the part of the URL that comes after the domain name. It specifies the location of a specific file or resource on the website. Paths are usually represented by forward slashes (/) and can be divided into subdirectories.

For example, in the URL

https://www.example.com/blog/how-to-create-a-website/

the path is “/blog/how-to-create-a-website/”. This indicates that the resource is located within the “blog” subdirectory, and the file name is “how-to-create-a-website”.

In WordPress, these paths are called **permalinks**, and they play a crucial role in SEO. Creating SEO-friendly permalinks means using clear and concise paths that contain relevant keywords, making it easier for search engines to understand what your website is about.

Optional Parts of a Website URL

While the protocol, domain name, and path are essential, there are also several optional parts that can be added to a URL.

1. Subdomains

Subdomains are like mini-websites that exist under your main domain. They are created by adding a prefix to your domain name before the TLD, separated by a dot.

For example, you could create a blog subdomain for your website, “blog.example.com”, or a shop subdomain, “shop.example.com”.

Subdomains are often used to organize different sections of a website, create separate versions for different markets, or host separate applications.

2. Subdirectories

Subdirectories are folders within your website’s directory structure. They are created by adding a prefix to the path, separated by a forward slash (/).

For example, the path “/blog/how-to-create-a-website/” might be a subdirectory called “blog” within the website’s root directory. Subdirectories help you organize files and resources for better management.

3. Query Parameters

Query parameters are used to pass additional information to the website server. They are typically added after the path, separated by a question mark (?) and followed by a series of key-value pairs, separated by ampersands (&).

For example:

https://www.example.com/search?q=website+url+parts

This URL passes the parameter “q=website+url+parts” to the server, indicating that the user is searching for information about website URL parts.

4. Anchor Links

Anchor links are used to create direct links to specific sections within a web page. They are added after the path, separated by a hash symbol (#) followed by the ID of the target section.

For example:

https://www.example.com/blog/how-to-create-a-website/#anchor-link-to-section

This URL will take the user directly to the section on the page with the ID “anchor-link-to-section”.

Expert Guides on WordPress URLs

WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), uses URLs in a unique way. Here are some expert guides to help you understand WordPress URLs:

• **What is a Domain Name and How Do Domains Work?** Understanding the basics of domain names and how they relate to your website.
• **How to Choose the Best Domain Name (Tips and Tools)** A guide to selecting a domain name that’s memorable, relevant, and available.
• **How to Change Your WordPress Site URLs (Step by Step)** A comprehensive guide to safely changing your website’s URL without losing SEO.
• **What is a SEO Friendly URL Structure in WordPress** Learn how to create URLs that are optimized for search engines.
• **How to Create Custom Permalinks in WordPress (Ultimate Guide)** A detailed guide on customizing the URLs of your WordPress posts, pages, and categories.
• **How to Export All WordPress URLs in Plain Text** A quick tip on extracting all the URLs from your WordPress website.
• **Beginner’s Guide: How to Find Your WordPress Login URL** Learn how to locate the login page for your WordPress website.

Conclusion

Understanding website URLs is essential for anyone who wants to build a website, manage their online presence, or simply navigate the internet effectively. By knowing the different parts of a URL and their functions, you can better understand how websites are organized and accessed.

Remember, a URL is more than just a random string of characters – it’s the gateway to your website and a key part of your digital footprint.

FAQs

What is the difference between a URL and a domain name?

A domain name is a part of a URL, specifically the name that identifies the website (e.g., “example.com”). A URL is the complete address that includes the protocol, domain name, and path (e.g., “https://www.example.com/blog”).

How do I choose a good domain name?

Choose a domain name that is easy to remember, relevant to your website’s content, and available. Avoid using hyphens or numbers in your domain name, and keep it concise and memorable.

What is a TLD, and why is it important?

TLD stands for Top-Level Domain, which is the extension at the end of a domain name, such as “.com”, “.org”, or “.net”. It indicates the type of website and can affect how users perceive it.

What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP, using encryption to protect data transmitted between your browser and the website. It’s crucial for websites that handle sensitive information like financial transactions or personal data.

What are permalinks, and how do they affect SEO?

Permalinks are the URLs of your individual pages and posts on your WordPress website. Creating SEO-friendly permalinks means using clear and concise paths that contain relevant keywords, making it easier for search engines to understand your content.

What are subdomains, and when should I use them?

Subdomains are like mini-websites that exist under your main domain. They are often used to organize different sections of a website, create separate versions for different markets, or host separate applications.

What are anchor links, and how do they work?

Anchor links create direct links to specific sections within a web page. They are used to help users navigate long pages quickly and easily.

How do I create SEO-friendly URLs in WordPress?

WordPress allows you to customize permalink structures to create SEO-friendly URLs. Use clear and concise paths that contain relevant keywords, and avoid using long or complex strings of characters.

Can I change my website’s URL after I’ve created it?

Yes, you can change your website’s URL, but it’s important to do it carefully to avoid losing SEO rankings. You’ll need to set up redirects to ensure that users and search engines can still find your website after the change.

What are some of the best tools for finding and registering domain names?

There are many great domain registrars available. Some popular choices include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. Choose a registrar that offers competitive pricing, reliable services, and good customer support.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.