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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between URI and URL?

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The main difference between a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is that a URL specifies the location of a resource on the internet, while a URI can be used to identify any type of resource, not just those on the internet.

Here are the key differences between URI and URL:

  • URI: A URI is a string of characters that identify a name or a unique resource, such as a web page or a file. It can be used to identify any type of resource, not just those on the internet. URIs are often used in XML, tag library files, and other files, such as JSTL and XSTL.
  • URL: A URL is a subset of URI that specifies the location of a resource on the internet. It is a key component of the internet and is used by web browsers to retrieve and display web pages. All URLs are URIs, but not all URIs are URLs.

For example, consider the following:

  • Both of these URLs are also URIs because they identify a resource (a web page or a file, respectively). However, they are specifically designed to locate resources on the internet, making them URLs as well.

In summary, the main difference between a URI and a URL is that a URI can identify any type of resource, while a URL specifies the location of a resource on the internet. All URLs are URIs, but not all URIs are URLs.

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  • What is the Difference Between URI and URL?
  • Comparative Table: URI vs URL

    • Comparative Table: URI vs URL

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between a URI and a URL:

    Feature URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
    Full Form Uniform Resource Identifier Uniform Resource Locator
    Purpose Identifies a resource and differentiates it from others using a name, location, or both. Identifies the web address or location of a unique resource.
    Components Contains components like a scheme, authority, path, and query. Contains components such as protocol, domain, path, hash, query string, etc..
    Relation URI is a superset of URL and URN. URL is a subset of URI.
    Usage Used in HTML, XML, and other files. Used to locate only web pages.
    Syntax Follows syntax rules to ensure uniformity and maintains extensibility via a hierarchical naming scheme. Must have a protocol like HTTP, FTP, HTTPS, etc..

    A URI is a string that identifies a resource, while a URL is a subset of a URI that specifies where a resource exists and the mechanism for retrieving it. A URI can be used to identify a resource using a name, location, or both, whereas a URL provides the location or address of a resource.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.