Link rot
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'''Link rot''' (also called '''link death''', '''link breaking''', or '''reference rot''') is the phenomenon of [[hyperlink]]s tending over time to cease to point to their originally targeted [[computer file|file]], [[web page]], or [[Server (computing)|server]] due to that resource being relocated to a new address or becoming permanently unavailable. A link that no longer resolves at the intended target may be called ''broken'' or ''dead''. |
'''Link rot''' (also called '''link death''', '''link breaking''', or '''reference rot''') is the phenomenon of [[hyperlink]]s tending over time to cease to point to their originally targeted [[computer file|file]], [[web page]], or [[Server (computing)|server]] due to that resource being relocated to a new address or becoming permanently unavailable. A link that no longer resolves at the intended target may be called ''broken'' or ''dead''. |
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The rate of link rot is a subject of study and research due to its significance to the [[internet]]'s ability to preserve information. Estimates of that rate vary dramatically between studies. Information professionals have warned that link rot could make important archival data disappear, potentially impacting the legal system and scholarship. |
The rate of link rot is a subject of study and research due to its significance to the [[internet]]'s ability to preserve information. Estimates of that rate vary dramatically between studies. Information professionals have warned that link rot could make important archival data disappear, potentially impacting the legal system and scholarship.{{Citation needed}} |
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== Prevalence == |
== Prevalence == |
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