RFC3986

RFC 3986, titled "Uniform Resource Identifier (URI): Generic Syntax," is a technical document published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that defines the generic syntax for Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs). URIs are strings used to identify resources on the internet, such as web pages, images, and documents. RFC 3986 provides a standardized framework for the structure and interpretation of URIs, ensuring consistency and interoperability across different systems and applications.

The document outlines the components of a URI, including the scheme, authority, path, query, and fragment. The scheme specifies the protocol used to access the resource, such as "http" or "https." The authority component, which is optional, includes the user information, host, and port. The path component specifies the location of the resource within the host. The query component, also optional, contains non-hierarchical data that can be used to refine the resource request. The fragment component, also optional, points to a specific part of the resource.

RFC 3986 also defines the rules for percent-encoding, which is used to encode characters that are not allowed in URIs. This encoding ensures that URIs can be transmitted over various protocols and media without loss of information. The document provides guidelines for URI comparison, normalization, and resolution, which are essential for the proper functioning of web applications and services.

RFC 3986 has been widely adopted and is a fundamental reference for developers, web standards organizations, and internet protocols. Its clear and precise definitions have contributed to the stability and reliability of the internet, making it an essential resource for anyone working with URIs.