Canonicalization is the process of converting data into a standard or normalized format. This is important in various fields, such as computer science and web development, to ensure consistency and accuracy. For example, in SEO, canonicalization helps search engines understand which version of a webpage should be indexed, preventing duplicate content issues. In the context of URLs, canonicalization involves selecting a preferred version of a web address when multiple versions exist. This can include variations like "http" vs. "https" or "www" vs. non-"www" versions. By establishing a canonical URL, website owners can improve their site's visibility and ranking in search results.