URL Length and Complexity Issues

URLs are the most ubiquitous form of resource addressing for some very good reasons: They represent a simple, convenient, and easy-to-understand way of finding documents. Popularized by their use on the Web, URLs can now be seen in everything from electronic document lists to television commercials—a testament to their universality and ease of use.

At least, this is true most of the time.

When URLs work, they work very well. Unfortunately, there are also some concerns that arise with respect to how URLs are used. Both accidental and intentional misuse of URLs occurs on a regular basis. Part of why I have devoted so much effort to describing URLs is that most people don't really understand how they work, and this ...

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