A URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a string of characters used to identify a resource on the internet. Whether it's a web page, an image, a document, or a service, the URI provides a standard way to refer to it. It’s a foundational concept in web design and development because every website needs URIs to direct browsers to the correct content. Without URIs, web navigation and linking wouldn't be possible.

What does a URI do?

A URI serves as a unique label for a specific resource, allowing computers and browsers to locate and interact with it. It's like the address on an envelope—it doesn’t contain the resource itself, but it tells the system exactly where to find it. URIs can identify resources on the web, on a local network, or even within software systems. They work in the background every time someone clicks a link, loads a page, or fetches data from a server.

Types of URIs

There are two main types of URIs: URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) and URNs (Uniform Resource Names).

• A URL is the most common type—it includes information about how to locate the resource (such as https://b12.io for a website).
• A URN, on the other hand, names a resource without providing the location, often used in more technical or archival contexts.
  Most people use the term URL for web addresses, but technically, every URL is a type of URI.

Structure of a URI

A typical URI includes several components:

• Scheme – This specifies the protocol used (like http, https, ftp).
• Authority – This usually includes the domain name and sometimes a port number.
• Path – This points to a specific page or file on the server.
• Query and Fragment – Optional sections that give more details, like search terms or page anchors.

For example, in https://www.example.com/products?type=shoes#section2, the scheme is https, the domain is www.example.com, the path is /products, the query is type=shoes, and the fragment is section2.

Why URIs matter in web design

URIs are more than just technical strings—they impact how users and search engines experience your site. Clean, descriptive URIs improve SEO by helping search engines understand your page content. They also make it easier for users to share and remember links. Good URI structure is a key part of user experience and is often handled during a site’s initial setup using a website builder.

FAQs about URI

What’s the difference between a URI and a URL?

A URL is a type of URI that includes information about how to locate a resource, such as the protocol and domain name. All URLs are URIs, but not all URIs are URLs. URNs, which don’t include location data, are also URIs.

Can two different URIs point to the same resource?

Yes, multiple URIs can lead to the same content. For example, https://example.com and https://www.example.com might both lead to the same homepage. However, for consistency and SEO, it’s usually best to standardize on one preferred URI.

Why are URIs important for SEO?

Well-structured, keyword-rich URIs help search engines understand what a page is about, which can boost your rankings. For example, a URI like https://example.com/blog/website-design-tips is much more informative than https://example.com/page?id=123.

Do URIs have to be unique?

Yes, each URI should point to a single resource. Duplicate URIs or conflicting addresses can confuse browsers and users, leading to broken links or incorrect content loading.

How can I create clean URIs for my site?

Use short, readable words separated by hyphens. Avoid special characters, numbers that don’t add value, and overly long strings. Most modern website builders handle this for you automatically.

Build a better site with clear, useful links

URIs are a small but mighty part of your website’s foundation. Whether you’re building a site from scratch or improving an existing one, keeping your URIs clear and user-friendly can boost both your visibility and your user experience. With B12’s AI website builder, you get professionally structured URIs—saving you time and helping you rank better. Get started with B12 today and build a smarter, more effective site.