linkrot
Definition
When Web pages previously accessible at a particular URL are no longer reachable at that URL due to movement or deletion of the pages.
Information
Linkrot involves links that used to work, but do not
work any longer.
For site users, it is important to determine whether the content has been moved or deleted. Using the site search option or a Web search engine can often turn up the same page at another location.
For site owners, one way to minimize disruption caused by URL changes is to redirect from the old location to the new location, although the ideal solution is to spend extra time planning and not to have linkrot in the first place.
Synonyms
link decay
Related Terms
inbound link, outbound link, Web design
Sites
n/a
Articles
Linkrot: A Growing Problem
Computing (March 14, 2002)
Web Sites That Heal
WebWord (March 10, 2002)
Fighting Linkrot
useit.com (June 14, 1998)
Readers' Comments on Linkrot
useit.com (sidebar)
example of linkrot:
The Biggest Problem with the Web: The 404 Error
PC Magazine Online (February 24, 1997)
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