sourcetoslug

Sourcetoslug is a term used in web development and content management to describe the process or component that converts a source string, such as an article title, file name, or page identifier, into a URL-friendly slug. A slug is the minimal, human-readable portion of a web address used to identify a resource.

The sourcetoslug process typically involves normalization and sanitization: converting to lowercase, replacing spaces with hyphens, removing or substituting punctuation, and transliterating non-ASCII characters into ASCII or a locale-appropriate form. Optional rules may include dropping common stop words, enforcing a maximum length, and ensuring that the resulting slug is unique within a site, often by appending a numeric suffix if needed.

It is commonly implemented as a library function, a CMS plugin, or a routing/build step in static site generators. It may be invoked automatically when new content is created, or during batch migrations. Localization-aware variants adjust the slug rules for different languages, balancing readability with URL compatibility.

Practical considerations include stability of URLs, the impact on search engine optimization, and how to handle updates to slugs after publication. In some workflows, slugs are kept fixed and redirects are used for changes to preserve link integrity.

Example: converting "Understanding Sourcetoslug" to "understanding-sourcetoslug". See also slugification, URL slug, content management system.