A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is basically a web address that is utilized to find a certain resource on the internet. It is an address that precisely tells the location of a website, a webpage, or any other resource online.
How to Build a URL: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Identify the Protocol
The protocol is the first part of a URL; it defines how one will gain access to the resource. Common protocols include:
HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
FTP: File Transfer Protocol
SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol
Step 2: Define the Domain Name
The domain name is the second part of the URL and defines the website or organization.
There are lots of domain name registrars to choose from, including but not limited to: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, HostGator, Google Domains
It’s usually followed by a top-level domain (TLD) such as .com, .org, .net, etc.
Verify Your Domain Name:
In the next step, you will need to verify your ownership by adding a DNS record or uploading an HTML file on your website.
Example: www.example.com or example.org
Step 3: Adding the Path
The path is the third component of a URL and it usually states on which part of the website will the resource fall. It usually is present immediately after the domain name and its beginning is marked with a forward slash /.
For example, /path/to/resource or /category/subcategory
Step 4: Add the Query String
The query string would be the fourth part of the URL and would specify parameters or data that must be passed to the resource. It ushers in its path, normally separated by a question mark?.
Example: ?param1=value1¶m2=value2 or ?search=keyword&sort=asc
Step 5: Add the Fragment
It is the fifth part of the URL that specifies a certain part of the resource. It normally follows the query string and is separated from it by a hash sign #.
Example: #anchor or #section
How to create an effective URL for my website?
Short and concise: A shorter URL is easier to remember, type, and share.
Descriptive: It helps users to understand what the page is and how to find or navigate through it.
Unique: A unique URL avoids conflicts with other URLs, hence making your page to be easily found.
Readable: A URL which when read is easier to understand, will be shared and remembered more.
Special characters: Avoid using special characters like underscores, hyphens, or space in your URL; this might give trouble in search engines and to users too.
What topic to take in consider for url Building?
Use hierarchy: Use hierarchical structure, like /category/subcategory/page.html.
Descriptive key words: Include descriptive keywords in your URL that help users and search engines understand what the page is about.
Avoid unessential parameters: Where possible, try to avoid unessential parameters in your URL – usually those that look like something such as ?param=value – it adds length and is less readable.
Use a trailing slash: Use a / at the end of your URL to indicate whether or not it is a directory or folder.
URL Domain vs Subdomain:
What is a Domain?
A URL domain is the major name of your website through which your website and its content are identified.(e.g. example.com)
What is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a sub-set of a domain name used to denote a particular section or sub-section of your website.(e.g., blog.example.com)
When to Use Each:
Use a domain when:
You want to create a strong brand identity and credibility. You have a stand-alone website or web presence. You are appealing to a certain niche market or audience.
Use a subdomain when:
You need to create a subsection of an already existing site, for instance, a blog, forum, or e-commerce site. You need to experiment with or test a new idea and not committed to a full domain. You are on an extremely tight budget and would like to save every penny.
