Github – https://github.com/plattnotpratt/url-shortener
Introducing My URL Shortener API: Simplify Links with Custom Short Codes and Stats Tracking
In the world of web development, managing long URLs can be a hassle, whether it’s for sharing, storing, or tracking. That’s why I’ve developed a simple yet powerful URL Shortener API using Python Flask and SQLAlchemy ORM to help solve these problems by allowing users to create shortened URLs with custom or automatically generated short codes. Let’s dive into what this API offers.
Key Features:
- Shorten Any URL: The API allows you to take any long URL and generate a much shorter version. Whether you want to share links more conveniently or just tidy things up, this feature does the job with a straightforward API call.
- Custom Short Codes: One of the unique features of this URL shortener is the ability to set custom short codes. This gives you full control over the look of your shortened URL. Instead of relying on random characters, you can choose a personalized, easy-to-remember code that reflects your brand or purpose.
- Non-Custom Short Codes: If you don’t need custom short codes, the API can automatically generate a unique short code for you. This ensures that every shortened URL is unique, and you don’t have to worry about manually creating a code each time.
- Redirection: Once a URL has been shortened, the API handles the redirection process for you. When someone clicks the shortened link, they’re automatically taken to the original URL, making it perfect for sharing and tracking without any extra hassle.
- Stats Tracking: Want to know how your shortened URL is performing? With the built-in stats feature, you can track clicks and view detailed information about each shortened URL. This includes the number of times it’s been clicked, helping you analyze engagement and adjust your strategies accordingly.
How It Works:
- Create a Shortened URL: Make a request to the API, providing the long URL and an optional custom short code. The API will return a shortened URL in response.
- Redirect: When someone clicks on the shortened link, the API will redirect them to the original URL automatically.
- View Stats: If you want to see how your shortened URL is performing, simply make a request to the API’s stats endpoint, and you’ll get detailed information on how many times the link has been clicked.
Built with Python Flask & SQLAlchemy ORM
This API is built using Python Flask, a lightweight and powerful web framework, which allows for easy routing and handling of HTTP requests. For managing data storage and retrieval, the API uses SQLAlchemy ORM to interact with the database in an efficient and organized way. SQLAlchemy’s ORM provides an easy-to-use interface for managing URL data, including storing original URLs, shortened URLs, and tracking stats.