dirty URL

dirty URL

A Web address that is difficult for a user to decipher. It often includes a query string or other command following the domain name. For example, the URL computerlanguage.com/lkp.asp?id=W432&d=BGA could be a request to look up the definition for "BGA" and return the page with the look and feel of Web site number W432.

Dirty URLs are hacker prone, because a file extension, such as ASP, gives away the underlying technology, and the syntax of the URL reveals the type of request. On the other hand, the "friendly URL" computerlanguage.com/lookup/CLC/BGA offers a more human readable address and also hides the architecture of the query. See URL.