Within a web browser, the ability to move from one document to another is facilitated by links. These links consist of two main parts: the protocol and server address, followed by the document path.

A link, also known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), consists of two main components that work together to direct users to specific web pages or resources on the internet. Understanding the anatomy of a link is crucial for navigating the vast expanse of the internet effectively.

  1. Protocol and Server Address: The first segment of a link specifies the protocol and server address. The protocol indicates the communication rules that dictate how data is transferred between devices over the internet. Common protocols include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HTTP Secure). The server address identifies the location of the server hosting the desired resource. This address can be specified using a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) or an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
  2. Document Path: The second segment of a link is the document path. This component represents the specific location or path to the desired document or resource on the server. The document path is appended to the server address and typically includes the directory structure and file name of the resource. For example, in the address “www.example.com/page/document.html,” the document path is “/page/document.html,” indicating the specific file named “document.html” within the “page” directory on the server.

By combining these two segments, the complete link provides users with the necessary information to access a specific web page or resource on the internet. Understanding the anatomy of a link empowers users to navigate websites efficiently and access the information they seek with precision.

https://estudiopatagon.com/contact/

Breaking it down:

  • Protocol (https): Specifies the communication protocol to be used. In this case, it’s HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, denoted by “https.”
  • Domain Name (estudiopatagon.com): Identifies the server’s location using a human-readable domain name. It points to the server that hosts the website.
  • Document URL (/contact/): Represents the specific path of the document relative to the server’s root path. It guides the server to the exact location of the requested content.

The Role of the Web Server

Once a link is clicked, the web browser sends a request to the specified server using the provided protocol, domain name, and document path. The web server, in turn, is responsible for interpreting this request.

Once identified, the server serves the file as the response, allowing the browser to render and display the content.

The server analyzes the request, extracts the document path, and searches its directory structure for the corresponding file.

how-links-and-protocols-works
Photo by Ferenc Almasi / Unsplash

Conclusion

In essence, the web server acts as the interpreter and provider, ensuring that the correct response is delivered based on the user’s request. This seamless interaction between the browser and the server is fundamental to the functionality of the World Wide Web.

As we continue our exploration, we’ll delve deeper into the intricacies of web development, understanding how links, protocols, and servers collaborate to deliver the web content we interact with daily.

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the mechanics of web navigation and document retrieval.

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Maria Lorena Assistant Professor II
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