What is URI?
URI, which is also known as Uniform Resource Identifier, is a special sequence of strings whose function is to identify a resource on the web. In simple words, a URI name identifies a specific web page, image, or any document on the internet. It is important to note that no URI is the same; each is made up of different components, such as path and scheme.
How Does a Uniform Resource Identifier Work?
Well, URI functions by specifying the name as well as the location of a digital entity. The browser reads the syntax and then fetches the data for a user. Some of the commonly used URI schemes are – http, https, and mailto. They aid in identifying how to reach the resources. You say that schemes serve as the bases on which URIs work across the web.
As you enter the URI, the browser will direct you to a specific web page or file. If you enter a correct URI, the system returns the data. The role of references is to connect different files as well as components online or offline.
URI vs. URL: Difference Between Them
Actually, a URL is a type of URI (Uniform Resource Identifiers). You can say all URLs are URIs, but not all URIs are URLs; some are URNs also. A URL provides details about where the file is located on the web, while a URI may only name the item. In networking as well as programming, this difference matters when dealing with web resources.
Pros & Cons
URIs are pretty easy to read and use. They are great for creating consistent links and paths. They support many URI schemes and, at the same time, handle many instances of files or services.
But URI syntax can get complex. Incorrect characters can break the URI or cause errors while researching on the web. Also, some URIs don’t work without the right file system or access rights.
Examples
- https://proxywings.com/about
- mailto:info@proxywings.com
- urn:isbn:0451450523
These are validated URIs, and each of them uses different URI schemes to access specific resources. They aid in providing paths as well as naming identifiers across the web.