Create a URL shortener API that converts long URLs into short, shareable links with tracking capabilities and optional custom aliases.

Project Checklist

• Create endpoint to shorten URLs
• Generate unique short codes for URLs
• Store mapping between short codes and original URLs
• Create redirect endpoint that resolves short URLs
• Add click tracking and analytics
• Implement custom alias support

Bonus Project Checklist Items

• Add expiration dates for shortened URLs
• Implement QR code generation
• Create analytics dashboard endpoint
• Add password protection for links
• Implement bulk URL shortening
• Add geographic click tracking

Inspiration (Any companies/libraries similar)

• Bitly
• TinyURL
• Short.io

Hint/Code snippet to start

const shortid = require('shortid');

app.post('/shorten', async (req, res) => {
  const { url, customAlias } = req.body;
  const shortCode = customAlias || shortid.generate();
  await db.urls.create({ shortCode, originalUrl: url, clicks: 0 });
  res.json({ shortUrl: `${baseUrl}/${shortCode}` });
});

app.get('/:shortCode', async (req, res) => {
  const url = await db.urls.findOne({ shortCode: req.params.shortCode });
  await db.urls.update({ clicks: url.clicks + 1 });
  res.redirect(url.originalUrl);
});