URL handling refers to the process of managing and manipulating Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), which are the addresses used to access resources on the internet. This includes tasks such as parsing URLs to extract components like the protocol, domain, path, and query parameters. Proper URL handling ensures that web applications can correctly interpret and respond to user requests. In web development, effective URL handling is crucial for routing, which directs users to the appropriate content. Frameworks like Express.js in Node.js or Django in Python provide built-in tools for managing URLs, making it easier to create user-friendly and SEO-optimized web addresses.