Final answer:
A Web address includes the protocol, domain name, and path, which together form the URL that directs a browser to a specific location on the web. In APA citations, the URL is a critical element that enables readers to find the source. The history of the web highlights the significance of technologies like the NeXT computer that Tim Berners-Lee used to develop foundational web technologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Web address consists of a protocol, domain name, and path to a specific Web page or location on a Web page. Each part plays a critical role in directing a browser to the correct location on the internet. For instance, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the protocol that allows for the retrieval of linked resources. The domain helps identify the entity that owns the space on the web, which can be indicated by the domain suffix such as .edu for educational institutions or .gov for government entities. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) includes the protocol, domain name, and additional folder and file names (ex: /blogs/index) that direct you to specific content on a website.
When citing Web sources in APA format, one should include the author's last name or the title of the work if no author is available, followed by the publication date, the title of the work, the title of the website, and the URL. The location part of the citation, which includes the URL, is vital as it allows readers to find the source for themselves. Notably, if an online source is listed with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), it should be used instead of a URL as DOIs remain static even if the URL changes. The history of the World Wide Web also notes significant developments and milestones, such as the deployment of Tim Berners-Lee's NeXT computer, the world's first web server which played an essential role in developing the basic technologies of the web.