What is a URI?

A URI, or Uniform Resource Identifier, is a string used to identify a resource either by its location or by a name. This includes references to both web pages and non-web resources. The key aspect of a URI is that it serves as a means of recognizing a resource, which can be done through various schemes, such as HTTP, FTP, and others.

Understanding the concept of URIs is essential for web development and data interchange, as it allows software applications to locate and retrieve resources across the vast setup of interconnected networks. Being able to distinguish between how resources are named or located is crucial in various programming and web development scenarios.

While a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is indeed a specific type of URI that provides a location, the broader category includes other identifiers that may not provide an explicit location but still recognize a resource. This illustrates the importance of the correct terminology and definitions in coding practices and network design.