Difference between URL and Hyperlink
written by Sehrish BasharatThe key difference between a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and a hyperlink is that a URL is a unique address that identifies a page on the Internet. A hyperlink is a clickable link that takes you to another page on the Internet without going through the website’s main navigation.
It can be difficult to distinguish between a URL and a hyperlink because they both look like regular text links. The easiest way to tell them apart is by checking the address bar of your browser. URLs usually start with “http,” while hyperlinks usually begin with www.
In this article, we will discuss the main difference between URLs and hyperlink, which will be very helpful for you.
URL (Universal Resource Locator)
A URL is like an ‘address’ for your website. It includes the website’s name and location (URL-shortened services can make it shorter).
A URL is made up of main three components:
- protocol
- Domain name
- File name
Most often, Web addresses will start with http://, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP is a set of rules that dictate how pages are transferred on the Internet. To help reduce potential errors, many browsers and websites will not require you to enter the http:// and www parts of a URL.
Hyperlink
A hyperlink is a link that takes people to another page on your website. In simple terms, clicking a link creates a pathway between the pages, and when we click the link, it directs the browser to display the page that is located at the address specified by the link.
URL vs Hyperlink
The main differences between URLs and hyperlinks are given below:
| URL | Hyperlink |
| Each webpage has a unique address, called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). | A link is an HTML element that connects the user to another web address, either on the same website or on a different one. |
| A URL is a specific type of link that follows a defined protocol. URLs can use various protocols, such as HTTP, FTP, and so on. | A link is simply a reference to another resource. |
| Only certain characters can be used in a URL. | Any character can be used for a link. |
| URL is the information which is embedded into the link in the desired resource. | It is the methods you use to access resources are important. |
FAQs
How do web browsers typically display hyperlinks?
Web browsers usually display hyperlinks as underlined text, with unvisited links in blue and visited links in purple. When a user hovers over a hyperlink, the cursor often changes to a hand icon, indicating that the text or element is clickable.
What is the visual difference between a URL and a hyperlink?
A URL is displayed as plain text showing the web address, while a hyperlink is usually formatted to stand out and can display any text or image.
Is every URL a hyperlink?
No, a URL is simply an address. When embedded as a clickable element within a document, it becomes a hyperlink.
Why is it important to understand the difference between URLs and hyperlinks?
Understanding the difference helps in web development, troubleshooting, and effective internet use.
