● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Cool URIs Don't Change: Principles for Stable Web Identifiers
Key points
- Cool URIs are those that do not change.
- URI changes are due to human decisions, not inherent necessity.
- Forethought in URI design and metadata capture can prevent changes.
- Server configurations can abstract URI structure from file system paths.
The Importance of Stable URIs
The concept of a 'cool URI' is defined as one that remains constant over time. This stability is presented as a fundamental principle for the web's functionality, ensuring that links do not break and resources remain accessible indefinitely. The article posits that while there are no theoretical reasons for URIs to change, practical considerations often lead to their alteration.
Addressing Reasons for URI Changes
The article refutes common justifications for changing URIs. One argument, that old URIs cannot be maintained, is countered by suggesting poor initial URI design. Another reason, related to confidentiality and archival material, is addressed by recommending forethought in capturing metadata like distribution rights, creation dates, and expiry dates for every document.
Leveraging Server Configuration for URI Stability
A key point made is that server software, such as Apache, offers extensive control over the relationship between a URI and its physical file location. This allows for an abstract URI space that can be mapped flexibly to the underlying file system. This capability means that internal structural changes do not necessitate changes to external URIs, preventing broken links when mechanisms like CGI scripts or directory structures are updated.
Avoiding Mechanism Exposure in URIs
The article criticizes the practice of embedding implementation details, such as developer names or script locations (e.g., 'cgibin'), directly into URIs. Such practices expose the server's internal mechanisms, making URIs fragile and prone to breaking if those mechanisms change. Instead, URIs should be designed as abstract identifiers independent of the underlying technical implementation.
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Reporting from
This article from 1998 argues that stable URIs are crucial for the web, asserting that URIs should not change over time. It addresses common reasons for URI changes and provides solutions to maintain their persistence, emphasizing forethought in URI design and server configuration.