Overview

A "link" commonly refers to a small component that joins larger parts. In one sense it is a physical ring in a chain: each chain consists of many connected metal pieces called links. In modern computing the same word describes a connection between information items: a link on a page points a user from one electronic resource to another.

On the World Wide Web, pages and files are connected through hyperlinks. The web itself, often abbreviated as the World Wide Web, runs over the broader Internet. A link is created by the author of a web page using the underlying software and languages such as HTML. The device displaying the page—usually a computer or mobile device—interprets the link and requests the target resource when the user activates it.

Creation, appearance and activation

Authors can make text or images act as links. For example, a word or phrase can become an anchor, or an image can serve as a clickable element such as a picture used for navigation. Users often click links with a pointing device like a mouse, but links can also be activated with keyboard navigation, touch gestures, or assistive technologies.

Visual cues, state and behavior

Web browsers signal link state through style: unvisited, visited, hover, and active states may have different colors or underlining. Many sites use a default blue for unvisited links and a darker shade for visited ones; the rendering and remembered state depend on the browser's settings and cache management. The browser itself is responsible for fetching the linked resource and presenting it to the user; this role is handled by the web browser.

Types, uses and examples

  • Internal links connect different sections or pages within the same site (relative URLs).
  • External links point to resources on other websites (absolute URLs).
  • Anchor links jump to a location inside a document.
  • Mail and protocol links invoke applications (for example, mailto: or ftp:).

History, importance and best practices

Links were central to the design of the web from its earliest days, enabling non-linear navigation and easy citation. Because links carry users between resources, they are essential for discovery, research, citation, and the functioning of search engines. Best practices include using descriptive anchor text instead of generic phrases like "click here," keeping links current to avoid link rot, and ensuring accessibility through keyboard focus and ARIA attributes. Clear linking improves usability, reduces confusion, and supports more robust information ecosystems.

Notable considerations

While links are simple in concept, they raise practical issues such as privacy, security (links may point to malicious content), and longevity (broken links). Content creators and site operators should monitor link targets, use meaningful text, and follow accessibility and security guidelines to make links reliable, safe, and useful for all users.