<P> In a web browser, the address bar (also location bar or URL bar) is a graphical control element that shows the current URL . The user can type a URL into the bar to navigate to a chosen website . In a file browser it serves the same purpose of navigation but through the file - system hierarchy . Many address bars offer features like autocomplete and a list of suggestions while the address is being typed in . This auto - completion feature bases its suggestions on the browser's history . Some browsers have keyboard shortcuts to auto - complete an address . These are generally configured by the user on a case - by - case basis . Address bars have been a feature of web browsers since NCSA Mosaic . </P> <P> For websites using a favicon (a small icon that represents the website), a small icon will generally be present within the address bar, or somewhere nearby . Favicons are specific to websites, thus a generic icon will be displayed if not specified . The address bar is also used, in some browsers, to show the security status of a web page . Various colors and padlock icons may appear if the page is encrypted, and / or to indicate if intended communication is trustworthy and secure . </P>

1. what are the two functions of the address bar
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