URL Shortener using SQL, Python, and Flask API

Introduction: In a world where sharing links has become ubiquitous, URL shorteners play a crucial role in making lengthy URLs more manageable and shareable. In this project, we will develop a URL shortener using SQL for data storage, Python for backend logic, and Flask for creating a RESTful API.

Features:

Shorten long URLs into unique, compact identifiers. Redirect users to the original long URL when accessing the shortened link. Store URL mappings efficiently in a SQL database. Generate custom short URLs if desired. Analytics to track the number of clicks and other relevant metrics for shortened URLs. Technologies Used:

SQL: For storing the mapping between short and long URLs. Python: For implementing the backend logic, including URL shortening and redirection. Flask: For building a RESTful API to interact with the URL shortening service. Implementation:

Database Design: Set up a SQL database to store the mappings between short and long URLs. The database schema may include tables for URL mappings and analytics. Backend Logic: Write Python functions to handle URL shortening, redirection, and analytics. Utilize libraries such as hashlib for generating unique short URLs and flask_sqlalchemy for interacting with the SQL database. Flask API: Develop a Flask application to expose endpoints for URL shortening, redirection, and analytics. Use Flask routes to define endpoints for each functionality, such as /shorten, /redirect, and /analytics. Frontend (Optional): Create a simple web interface or integrate the API with existing web applications to allow users to shorten URLs directly from a browser. Deployment: Deploy the Flask application to a web server or a cloud platform like Heroku for accessibility over the internet.