The article emphasizes the often-overlooked role of URLs as state management tools in web applications. The author reflects on a personal experience with PrismJS, where a single URL contained all necessary configurations, demonstrating how URLs can store state without using databases or local storage. This highlights a fundamental aspect of web design: URLs aren’t just links; they encapsulate user intent and application state. The piece categorizes how different components of a URL convey state, including path segments for navigation, query parameters for filters and configurations, and anchor fragments for specific document sections. It also addresses common patterns in query parameters, such as using delimiters for multiple values or bracket notation for arrays. Consistency in these patterns is essential to maintain clarity and usability. Real-world examples reinforce the concept. URLs from tools like Google Maps and Figma not only provide access to specific content but also preserve the context needed for users to land exactly where they need. The article suggests that good candidates for URL state include search queries, pagination, and view modes, while sensitive information and temporary UI states should be avoided. Overall, it argues for a reevaluation of how developers leverage URLs, urging them to consider their full potential as first-class citizens in state management.