Url vs. Path — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A URL specifies an internet address, identifying where a resource is available, while a path defines the specific location or address of a file within a computer system or on the web.
Difference Between Url and Path
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used to identify the location of a resource on the internet, specifying protocols such as HTTP or FTP. On the other hand, a path is a sequence of directories leading to a specific file or folder, used within a specific system.
While a URL includes a scheme, domain, and may include path information among other components, a path strictly consists of directory and file names, and does not include protocol or domain information.
URLs are essential for accessing any resources over the web, from web pages to images, indicating not just location but also the method of access. Conversely, paths are utilized primarily in file systems to navigate through directories to locate files or folders.
In terms of syntax, a URL often starts with a scheme followed by "://", a domain, then possibly a path and query parameters, whereas a path starts from a root directory or a relative directory leading up to the file.
While URLs can be absolute or relative, paths in file systems also share this attribute, where an absolute path defines a location from the root of the file system and a relative path starts from the current directory.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Identifies internet resources
Specifies file or directory locations
Components
Scheme, domain, path, query, fragment
Directory names, file name
Example
Http://www.example.com/images/photo.jpg
/users/john/docs/report.txt
Required Elements
Protocol (e.g., HTTP), domain
Root or relative directory information
Accessibility
Used across different systems via internet
Used within a specific system
Compare with Definitions
Url
A web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.
The URL for Google is http://www.google.com.
Path
A sequence of directory names leading to a specific file or directory.
/home/user/documents/report.txt specifies a clear file location.
Url
A structure that enables browsers to retrieve any published resource on the web.
The URL of an image includes its location and file type.
Path
A part of the file system hierarchy in operating systems.
Navigating through a path involves moving from one directory to another.
Url
A combination of protocol, host, and path that defines an internet resource.
HTTPS in a URL signifies a secure connection.
Path
A critical element in software for file management and access.
Correct path usage ensures efficient file retrieval and storage.
Url
A locator that can include query parameters to specify data or actions.
A URL may end with ?query=search to specify search parameters.
Path
A relative or absolute specification of file location.
Relative paths depend on the current directory, unlike absolute paths.
Url
A global address used in referencing web resources.
Each URL is unique and directs to a specific web page.
Path
A locator used within computer systems to find data storage locations.
The path specifies where an application can find its required files.
Url
An internet address (for example, http://www.hmhco.com/about-hmh), usually consisting of the access protocol (http), the domain name (hmhco.com), and optionally the path to a file or resource residing on the server where the domain name resides (about-hmh).
Path
A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading
The path continues alongside the river for half a mile
Url
The address of a web page on the world wide web
Path
(chiefly in computing and railway contexts) allocate a path.
Path
A trodden track or way.
Path
A road, way, or track made for a particular purpose
A bicycle path.
Path
The route or course along which something travels or moves
The path of a hurricane.
Path
A course of action or conduct
The path of righteousness.
Path
A sequence of commands or a link between points that is needed to reach a particular goal.
Path
A pathname.
Path
A trail for the use of, or worn by, pedestrians.
Path
A course taken.
The path of a meteor, of a caravan, or of a storm
Path
(paganism) A Pagan tradition, for example witchcraft, Wicca, druidism, Heathenry.
Path
A metaphorical course or route; progress.
Path
A method or direction of proceeding.
Path
(computing) A human-readable specification for a location within a hierarchical or tree-like structure, such as a file system or as part of a URL.
Use the network path
\\Marketing\Files to find the documents you need.Path
(graph theory) A sequence of vertices from one vertex to another using the arcs (edges). A path does not visit the same vertex more than once (unless it is a closed path, where only the first and the last vertex are the same).
Path
(topology) A continuous map from the unit interval to a topological space .
Path
(rail) A slot available for allocation to a railway train over a given route in between other trains.
Path
Pathology.
Path
(transitive) To make a path in, or on (something), or for (someone).
Path
To navigate through a file system directory tree (to a desired file or folder).
Next, you need to path to the location of the executable and run it from there.
Path
A trodden way; a footway.
The dewy paths of meadows we will tread.
Path
A way, course, or track, in which anything moves or has moved; route; passage; an established way; as, the path of a meteor, of a caravan, of a storm, of a pestilence. Also used figuratively, of a course of life or action.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
Path
To make a path in, or on (something), or for (some one).
Path
To walk or go.
Path
A course of conduct;
The path of virtue
We went our separate ways
Our paths in life led us apart
Genius usually follows a revolutionary path
Path
A way especially designed for a particular use
Path
An established line of travel or access
Path
A line or route along which something travels or moves;
The hurricane demolished houses in its path
The track of an animal
The course of the river
Common Curiosities
What is a URL used for?
It is used to access resources on the internet.
Can a URL contain a path?
Yes, a URL can include a path component that specifies a specific resource location within a domain.
What makes a path absolute or relative?
An absolute path specifies a location from the root of the file system, whereas a relative path starts from the current directory.
What does the path component in a URL represent?
The path component in a URL specifies the exact location of a resource within the domain, like the folders and filename on a server.
How does a path function in a computer system?
It specifies the location of a file or directory within the file system.
How do you identify the protocol in a URL?
The protocol in a URL is identified by the scheme component, followed by "://", such as "http://" or "https://".
Why is it important to understand file paths in operating systems?
Understanding file paths is crucial for navigating the file system, accessing files efficiently, and managing data storage in operating systems.
What is the difference between a URL and a web address?
A URL is a type of web address that specifies where a resource is located on the internet.
How do special characters in URLs and paths need to be handled?
Special characters in URLs must be percent-encoded to avoid misinterpretation by browsers, whereas paths might require different forms of escaping or quoting in different operating systems.
Can a URL and a path be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different functions; a URL is for locating resources on the internet, whereas a path is used to locate files within a computer system or network.
Are file paths sensitive to operating system differences?
Yes, file paths differ between operating systems; for example, Windows uses backslashes for paths while UNIX-based systems (like Linux and macOS) use forward slashes.
How does a relative URL differ from a relative path?
A relative URL provides a web address relative to a current URL, lacking the domain, while a relative path specifies a file location relative to the current directory in a file system.
What are the security implications of URLs?
URLs can expose security risks such as phishing, where malicious links appear legitimate, and data interception, especially if not secured by protocols like HTTPS.
What role does the domain play in a URL?
The domain in a URL specifies the web server’s address where the resource is hosted and is crucial for directing internet traffic.
What is the impact of incorrect path usage on a computer system?
Incorrect path usage can lead to errors in file access, software malfunctions, and issues in data retrieval and management.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
