LLDHub
Problems·URL Shortener (bit.ly)
L4 · Medium

URL Shortener (bit.ly)

Problem

Design a URL shortening service that generates short aliases, handles redirects, and tracks analytics.

Requirements

  • Shorten a long URL to a short code
  • Redirect short URL to original URL
  • Custom alias support
  • URL expiration (TTL)
  • Click analytics: total clicks, unique visitors, by country
  • User accounts to manage their URLs

Constraints

  • Short code: 6-8 characters (alphanumeric)
  • Default expiry: 1 year
  • Same URL for same user = same short code
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