The acronym URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. In web development, a URL is the address used to access resources on the internet, such as web pages, images, and files. It specifies the location of the resource and the protocol required to retrieve it, commonly HTTP or HTTPS. A URL typically consists of several components, including the protocol, domain name, and path to the specific resource. Understanding the structure of URLs is essential for web developers and users alike, as it affects both navigation and search engine optimization (SEO).