🔗 URL Shortener (Node.js + Express.js)

A simple and fast URL Shortener web application built using Node.js, Express.js, EJS, and File System (JSON storage).
It allows users to shorten long URLs with custom short codes and redirect using generated links.

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🚀 Features

• 🔗 Shorten long URLs instantly
• ✏️ Custom short code support
• 📄 Stores data in JSON file (no database required)
• ⚡ Fast redirection system
• 🧾 Shows last 3 shortened URLs
• 🎨 Clean and responsive UI
• 📱 Mobile-friendly design

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🛠️ Tech Stack

• Node.js
• Express.js
• EJS (Template Engine)
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• File System (fs module for storage)

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📁 Project Structure

NodeJS-ExpressJS-Project-URL-Shortener-WebApp/
│
├── controllers/
│ └── postshortener.controller.js
│
├── models/
│ └── shortener.model.js
│
├── router/
│ └── shortener.routes.js
│
├── views/
│ └── index.ejs
│
├── data/
│ └── links.json
│
├── public/
│ └── style.css
│
├── app.js
├── package.json
├── package-lock.json
└── .gitignore

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⚙️ Installation & Setup

1. Clone repository

git clone https://github.com/godhaniyaarbham2000-spec/NodeJS-ExpressJS-Project-URL-Shortener-WebApp.git

2. Go to project folder

cd NodeJS-ExpressJS-Project-URL-Shortener-WebApp

3. Install dependencies

npm install

4. Run Project

npm run dev

5. Open In Browser

http://localhost:3007

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💡 Usage

• Enter a long URL in the input field
• Click on "Generate Short URL"
• System will create a unique short code
• Copy and use the generated short link
• Open short URL → it will redirect to original URL

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🧠 How It Works

1. User submits a long URL
2. Server generates a unique short ID
3. Data is stored inside data/links.json
4. When short URL is hit:
   • Server reads JSON file
   • Finds original URL
   • Redirects user instantly

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📌 API Flow (Basic Logic)

• POST /shorten → Create short URL
• GET /:shortId → Redirect to original URL

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📸 UI Preview

• Simple input box for URL
• Button to generate short link
• List of recently created links
• Clickable short URLs

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⚠️ Notes

• No database used (File System based storage)
• Data is stored in links.json
• Suitable for learning backend basics
• Not production scalable (for learning purpose only)

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📌 Future Improvements

• 🗄️ MongoDB / Database integration
• 👤 User authentication system
• 📊 Analytics (click tracking)
• ⏳ Expiry time for links
• 🌐 Custom domain support
• 🔒 Validation & security improvements

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👨‍💻 Author

Arbham Godhaniya
MERN Stack Developer 🚀