How Canonical URL Works
Publishers can suggest a canonical with a rel="canonical" link element, while search engines ultimately choose which version they treat as canonical.
A Simple Example
Tracking parameters may create several URLs for the same guide. A canonical can point those variants to the clean guide URL.
Why Canonical URL Matters
Canonicalization consolidates signals and reduces ambiguity about which URL should appear in search.
Common Misreading
A canonical is a hint, not a redirect or guaranteed command. Conflicting internal links, sitemaps and redirects can weaken the signal.