The uniform resource locator (URL) is a data structure and an associated serialization format that aims to uniquely identify any resource on the Internet (and other networks). (See also uniform resource identifier (URI).) That’s a lofty goal, but it has proven more or less tractable and practical. Which is astounding and great! A global network namespace enables powerful applications, and powerful interactions between applications.
However, URLs have some problems of usability, security, and economics. Many of us have wished for a global namespace with fewer problems. I’ll address that first, and then I’ll have some fun with the technical aspects of the problem. You can skip that stuff, if you like.
ghost
commented
7 years ago
https://noncombatant.org/2017/11/07/problems-of-urls/