What attribute is used to specify the URL of a linked page in an <a> tag?

The attribute used to specify the URL of a linked page in an <a> (anchor) tag is the href attribute. When creating hyperlinks in HTML, the href attribute tells the browser where to direct users when they click on the link. For example, in the markup <a href="http://www.example.com">Visit Example</a>, the href attribute contains the URL to which the link points.

This attribute is essential for creating navigable connections between different web pages or resources on the internet, allowing users to easily access content. It fundamentally enables the linking function of the anchor tag, which is a core aspect of web navigation.