URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address of a page or resource on the internet. Example: https://www.example.com/page. It's the unique "address" of each web page.

What is a link used for?

Links are used to navigate between web pages, access different sites, share content, download files, open social networks, forward to specific resources, and connect information on the internet.

What types of links exist?

There are several types: internal links (same site), external links (other site), absolute links (complete URL), relative links (relative path), download links, anchors (specific point on page), and email links (mailto).

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure protocol used in links to protect data during browsing. It's the secure version of HTTP and ensures encrypted connection.

Do links open in a new tab?

Depends on how it was created. With target="_blank" attribute the link opens in a new tab. Without this attribute, it opens on the same page. Most links open in the same window.

Depends. Static links from your own site don't expire. Links from third parties may stop working if the page is removed. Social media links are permanent as long as the profile exists.

What is a Link: Complete Guide to URLs, Hyperlinks, and Web Addresses

Q: What is a Link?

A link (hyperlink) is a clickable element on a web page that connects different documents, pages, or resources on the internet. When you click, the browser opens the content pointed to by the link.

Q: How does a link work?

A link works as a bridge between documents on the web. When you click, the browser searches for the resource indicated by the URL and displays the content on screen. It's how we navigate the internet.

Q: How to create a link?

In HTML, use the tag text . Where "URL" is the address and "text" is what appears clickable. In visual editors, just copy the URL and paste or use the link button.

Q: Can I generate QR Code for links?

Yes! You can generate QR Code for any link for free on QRPoster. Just paste the URL and generate the code, useful for printed materials and sharing.

Links are the foundation of web navigation since 1989. In this complete guide, you'll discover everything about links: what they are, how they work, what they're used for, and how to use them in everyday life.

Quick summary

Link = clickable element that connects pages on the web
URL = complete address of a page
Hyperlink = technical term for link
Click = browser opens the pointed content

What is a Link?

Link (also called hyperlink) is a clickable element on a web page that connects different documents, pages, or resources on the internet. When you click on a link, the browser searches for and displays the pointed content.

Origin of the name

Hyperlink = "hyper" (over/beyond) + "link" (connection)
Creation: Tim Berners-Lee, 1989
Purpose: facilitate navigation between documents

Main Characteristics

✅ Clickable: you can click to access
✅ Directs: takes you to another place on the web
✅ Universal: works in all browsers
✅ Textual or visual: can be text or image
✅ URL behind: always points to an address
✅ Fundamental: foundation of the World Wide Web

How Does a Link Work?

Basic Structure

A link has 3 main parts:

Anchor text
- Visible clickable words
- Example: "Click here to learn more"
URL (address)
- Actual location of the resource
- Example: https://www.example.com/page
HTML
- Code that creates the link
- <a href="URL">text</a>

How It Works Process

When you click on a link:

Browser identifies the address (URL)
DNS resolves the domain to IP
Connection is established with the server
Page is loaded and displayed
Content appears on screen

Summary in 1 second:

Click → Address → Loading → Display

What is URL?

Definition

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address of a page or resource on the internet. It's the "ID" of each web page.

URL Example

https://www.example.com/folder/page.html

URL parts:

https:// = protocol (how to access)
www.example.com = domain (where it is)
/folder/page.html = path (specific file)

Common Protocols

HTTP/HTTPS

HTTP: unsecured protocol
HTTPS: secure protocol (encrypted)
🔒 Always prefer HTTPS for security

Other protocols:

mailto: = open email
tel: = call number
file:// = local file

What Are Links Used For?

Navigate between pages:

Go from one page to another
Access different sections
Read related articles
Explore sites

Example: Article about QR Code with link to "Learn more about payment systems"

Share content:

Send links via email
Share on social media
Send via WhatsApp
Copy and paste URL

Example: Share this post on Facebook

3. 🔗 Connect Information

Relate content:

Related articles
References and sources
Navigation menu
Breadcrumbs

Example: Blog with links to previous posts

4. 📥 Downloads

Download files:

PDFs, images, videos
Documents
Applications
Various files

Example: "Download free PDF"

5. 🌍 Access External Resources

Connect with other sites:

Social networks
Partner sites
References
External resources

Example: Link to official site

Types of Links

1. Internal Links

Point to pages on the same site

Navigation between your site's pages
Improve SEO
Keep user on site

Example:

Blog: link to another post on the same blog
E-commerce: link to related category

2. External Links

Point to other sites

Connect with other domains
Usually open in new tab
References and sources

Example:

Article citing Wikipedia
Link to partner site

3. Absolute Links

Complete URL with protocol

https://www.example.com/page
Can be used anywhere
Ideal for external links

Example:

<a href="https://qrposter.net/en/blog">Blog</a>

4. Relative Links

Relative path to current page

/folder/page.html
Shorter, easier to maintain
Ideal for internal links

Example:

<a href="/about">About</a>

5. Anchor Links

Go to specific point on page

#section
Automatic scroll to section
Indexes and menus

Example:

<a href="#faq">FAQ</a>

How to create section:

<h2 id="faq">FAQ</h2>

6. Email Links (mailto)

Open email client

mailto:contact@example.com
Opens email application
Includes optional subject

Example:

<a href="mailto:contact@example.com">Send email</a>
<a href="mailto:email@site.com?subject=Contact&body=Hello">Email with subject</a>

7. Download Links

Download files

download attribute
Download instead of opening
Files, PDFs, etc.

Example:

<a href="/file.pdf" download>Download PDF</a>

Open profiles on social networks

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok
GitHub, Telegram

Example:

<a href="https://instagram.com/yourprofile">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://facebook.com/yourprofile">Facebook</a>

How to Create a Link?

In HTML

Basic syntax:

<a href="PAGE_URL">VISIBLE_TEXT</a>

Example:

<a href="https://qrposter.net/en/blog">Visit our blog</a>

Result: Visit our blog

Important Attributes

href

Defines link destination
href="https://example.com"

target

target="_blank" = opens in new tab
target="_self" = opens in same window

rel

rel="nofollow" = don't follow
rel="noopener" = security

Complete example:

<a href="https://example.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
  Open in new tab
</a>

In Visual Editors

WordPress, Blogger, etc:

Select text
Click link button (⛓️)
Paste URL
Confirm

Email (Gmail, Outlook):

Select text
Click link button
Paste URL
Confirm

Links and SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Best Practices

✅ Use descriptive text
❌ Avoid: "Click here"
✅ Prefer: "Learn more about QR Code"

✅ Internal links

Connect related pages
Improves SEO and navigation

✅ Relevant anchor texts

Describe destination
Use keywords naturally

❌ Avoid broken links

Check URLs periodically
Use verification tools

❌ Don't use too many links

May be considered spam
Affects readability

Broken Links

What Are They?

Broken link (broken link) = link that no longer works

Why does it happen?

URL changed or was removed
Site went offline
Typed incorrectly
Content was moved

How to Avoid?

✅ Test links before publishing
✅ Use short and permanent URLs
✅ Monitor regularly
✅ Use verification tools
✅ Keep organized structure

Link Security

⚠️ Important Precautions

Phishing (frauds)

Check suspicious URLs
Beware of strange links
Use HTTPS whenever possible

Malicious links

May download viruses
Redirect to fake sites
Steal data

How to protect yourself:

✅ Check if site is secure (https://)
✅ Hover over link before clicking
✅ Use updated antivirus
✅ Beware of links in unknown emails

Short Links vs Complete URLs

Shortened Links

Example: bit.ly/abc123

Advantages:

Shorter and easier to share
Can track clicks
Cleaner visually

Disadvantages:

Can't see where it goes (uncertainty)
May expire
Some are from unknown owner

Popular services:

Bitly
TinyURL
Google URL Shortener

Complete URLs

Example: https://qrposter.net/en/blog/what-is-link

Advantages:

Transparent (see destination)
More reliable
Better for SEO

Disadvantages:

Very long
Difficult to share verbally

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do links always open in new tab?

No. Depends on how it was created. With target="_blank" opens in new tab, without this attribute opens in same window.

2. How to find out URL of a link?

Hover over the link and see in bottom corner of browser, or right-click → "Copy link".

3. Can link have virus?

The link itself cannot. But it can lead to sites that distribute malware. Always check before clicking.

4. How to make link to top of page?

Use anchor link: <a href="#top">Back to top</a> and create element with id="top" at top of page.

5. Can I use emoji in links?

Yes! But use in moderation to maintain professionalism.

<a href="/about">📖 About us</a>

6. Do links work in emails?

Yes, but some email clients block them. Use simple URLs and test.

7. How many links can I have on a page?

There's no technical limit, but too many links hurt UX and SEO. Recommend up to 100 unique links per page.

8. Can I generate QR Code for links?

Yes! You can generate QR Code for any link for free on QRPoster. Paste the URL and generate the code.

9. Do links in images work?

Yes! You can put a link on any HTML element, including images.

<a href="https://example.com">
  <img src="logo.jpg" alt="Logo">
</a>

10. What's the difference between link and URL?

Link = clickable element (hyperlink)
URL = address behind the link

Conclusion

Links are the web's navigation system, allowing us to jump from page to page and access any content on the internet. Since the first link created in 1989 until today, they continue to be fundamental to the online experience.

If you want to generate QR Code for your links:

Generate your free link QR Code and share easily
Learn how to generate QR Code for links step by step
Understand what QR Code is and how it works

Links are simple, but powerful. Use them well and your navigation will be more efficient!

Guides on links:

How to generate QR Code for links step by step

General guide:

What is QR Code: complete guide

Questions? Leave a comment or check our complete FAQ.

What is a Link: Complete Guide to URLs, Hyperlinks, and Web Addresses

What is a Link?

Origin of the name

Main Characteristics

How Does a Link Work?

Basic Structure

How It Works Process

What is URL?

Definition

URL Example

Common Protocols

What Are Links Used For?

1. 🌐 Web Navigation

2. 📤 Sharing

3. 🔗 Connect Information

4. 📥 Downloads

5. 🌍 Access External Resources

Types of Links

1. Internal Links

2. External Links

3. Absolute Links

4. Relative Links

5. Anchor Links

6. Email Links (mailto)

7. Download Links

8. Social Media Links

How to Create a Link?

In HTML

Important Attributes

In Visual Editors

Links and SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Best Practices

Broken Links

What Are They?

How to Avoid?

Link Security

⚠️ Important Precautions

Short Links vs Complete URLs

Shortened Links

Complete URLs

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do links always open in new tab?

2. How to find out URL of a link?

3. Can link have virus?

4. How to make link to top of page?

5. Can I use emoji in links?

6. Do links work in emails?

7. How many links can I have on a page?

8. Can I generate QR Code for links?

9. Do links in images work?

10. What's the difference between link and URL?

Conclusion

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How to generate QR Code for links free: complete step-by-step tutorial