An Absolute link is a type of hyperlink that points to a web resource using its full URL. This means it includes all components of the URL, such as the protocol (http or https), the domain name, and the complete path to the specific page or file. Absolute links provide a clear and unambiguous path to the resource, regardless of the context in which they are found.
Using absolute links is generally recommended because they help prevent issues related to canonicalization and content duplication. They also reduce the risk of link hijacking, where a relative link could inadvertently direct users to an unintended destination if the site structure changes.
Here is an example to illustrate the difference:
- Absolute link example:
http://site.com/folder/file.html - Relative link example:
../folder/file.html
Absolute links ensure that a link will always lead to the same resource, making them a reliable choice for webmasters and SEO professionals when structuring a website’s link architecture.