A URL is a string of characters which identify the location of a resource on the internet. URLs typically consists of several components, including a protocol (such as HTTP or HTTPS), a domain name (such as www.stacks4libraries.com), a path, and sometimes a query string or fragment identifier.
For example, the URL for the homepage of the Stacks website is: "https://www.stacks4libraries.com/". This URL includes the HTTPS protocol, the domain name "stacks4libraries.com", and the path "/".
URLs are used to access resources on the internet, such as web pages, images, videos, and other types of files. By entering a URL into a web browser or clicking on a hyperlink, users can access the resource identified by the URL.
Overall, URLs are a fundamental component of the internet and are used extensively to navigate and access information on the web.
What is an Absolute URL?
An absolute URL is a complete web address that includes all the necessary information to locate a specific resource on the internet. An absolute URL contains the protocol, domain name, path, and filename of the resource, as well as any query strings or fragment identifiers.
For example, an absolute URL for the homepage of the Stacks website would be: "https://www.stacks4libraries.com/". This URL includes the HTTPS protocol, the domain name "stacks4libraries.com", and the path "/".
Absolute URLs provide a complete and unambiguous reference to a resource on the internet, while relative URLs only specify the location of the resource relative to the current page or directory. Absolute URLs are useful when linking to resources on external websites or when specifying a fixed location for a resource on your own website.
Always use the absolute URL when linking to an external website.
What is a Relative URL?
A relative URL is a web address that only includes a portion of the necessary information to locate a specific resource on the internet. A relative URL specifies the location of a resource relative to the current page or directory, rather than providing a complete and unambiguous reference to the resource.
For example, a relative URL to an page within the same website might be: "/about-us". This URL only includes the path and filename of the resource. Where the absolute URL would be "https://www.stacks4libraries.com/about-us"
Use relative URLs when linking to resources or pages that are stored internally on your Stacks site. Stacks will automatically recognize relative URLs and prevent the need to update internal links when your domain name changes.
Publishing Workflow URL alias
Each page and content block in Stacks is assigned a node path that can be read by machines in addition to a human-readable alias based on the content's title. If this generated alias is not suitable, administrators have the option to define a custom URL alias that will be used instead of the node path or the auto-generated URL.
To use a customized URL alias:
- In the Publishing workflow expand the URL alias section.
- Remove the checkmark from the option "Generate automatic URL alias"
- In the URL alias field enter your desired alternate path with a leading forward-slash (/), for example, if you want a page url to be www.yourwebsite.com/about-us, type: /about-us