What is URI?

What is URI? URI stands for Uniform Resource Identifier. It’s a way to name and locate resources on the internet, like websites, documents, or images. Think of a URI as a special address that tells your computer where to find something online.

How Does a URI Work?

  1. Addressing Resources: A URI gives a specific address to a resource. This could be a webpage, a file, or an image. Imagine it like your home address, but for things on the internet.
  2. Types of URIs: There are different types of URIs, but the most common one is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator). A URL tells you where to find a webpage. Another type is the URN (Uniform Resource Name), which gives a resource a unique name that doesn’t change, even if the location does.
  3. Structure: A URI usually has several parts:
    • Scheme: This tells the computer what type of resource it is. Common schemes include “http” and “https” for websites, and “ftp” for files. It’s like saying whether you’re sending a letter or a package.
    • Authority: This part includes the domain name, like “www.example.com“, which tells the computer where to find the resource. It’s like the street address.
    • Path: The path shows where exactly to find the resource on the server, like “/images/picture.jpg”. It’s like the room number in a building.

Why Are URIs Important?

  1. Finding Information: URIs make it easy to locate and access resources on the internet. Just like typing an address into a GPS, entering a URI in your browser takes you straight to the information you need.
  2. Consistency: With URIs, resources can have a consistent address. Even if the information moves, as long as the URI stays the same, you can always find it. It’s like having a permanent forwarding address.
  3. Linking: URIs allow different resources to link to each other. This is how websites connect and how you can click on links to move from one page to another. It’s like using a map with detailed directions.

Examples of URIs

  • Websites: https://www.google.com is a URI that takes you to the Google homepage.
  • Files: ftp://example.com/file.txt is a URI that points to a file on a server.
  • Mail: mailto:[email protected] is a URI used to send an email.

Fun Fact

The concept of URIs was created by Tim Berners-Lee, who is also known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. His idea made it possible for us to easily navigate and connect on the internet.

So, next time you type a web address or click on a link, remember that you’re using a URI, a special tool that helps you find and connect with everything on the internet!