A link may mean various things depending on the context. In terms of the Internet and related technology, however, a link is a way of connecting one web page to another.
When you visit a web site or a web page, you will probably see a word (or a group of words) that look physically different from the majority of the text in that page. More often than not, a link is color blue and underlined. While this is the norm, links may be of any color or any format, depending on the person creating the web site.
How does a link connect web pages?
When a user clicks on a link, he or she is directed to the page that the link is pointing to. For example, you are reading a blog featuring a certain product and there is a link to that product’s home page. When you click on that link, you will be taken to another web site – the product’s home page. Depending on the setting of the page, another window or tab may open to show the external page.
Links may take on the form of words or phrases. However, they are not limited to such forms. In fact, images may also serve as links. When browsing a web page with images, try hovering the mouse cursor over an image. If the arrow turns into a little hand, then that means the image is linked to another page.
Links are useful to many readers as they provide additional information with much effort on the user’s part. However, when used excessively and improperly, they can prove to be a nuisance.