Advanced URL Shortening System

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🚀 Introduction

The Advanced URL Shortening System is a web-based application that allows users to shorten long URLs with two modes of usage:

• Guest Mode: Basic link shortening without tracking.
• Registered User Mode: Advanced features including link management, analytics, and customization.

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🎯 Purpose

The system enables users to:

• Shorten URLs quickly and easily.
• Track and analyze traffic for their shortened links.
• Customize links with aliases, expiration dates, password protection, and QR codes.

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📌 Scope

The system provides:

• URL shortening for both guests and registered users.
• Analytics such as:
  • Number of visitors
  • Visitor country (GeoIP)
  • Device type (Mobile/Desktop/Tablet)
  • Browser and OS information
  • Source of visit (Referrer)
• Features like:
  • Custom aliases
  • Expiration dates
  • Password-protected links
  • QR code generation

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🛠️ Technologies

• Backend: ASP.NET Core (REST API)
• Database ORM: Entity Framework Core
• Authentication & Authorization: ASP.NET Core Identity & JWT
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Frontend: React

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📖 Definitions

• URL: Uniform Resource Locator
• SRS: Software Requirements Specification
• API: Application Programming Interface
• GeoIP: Geolocation by IP Address

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📐 System Architecture

• Frontend: React-based web client.
• Backend: ASP.NET Core REST API handling business logic.
• Database: PostgreSQL storing users, URL mappings, and visit analytics.

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⚙️ Features

🔗 URL Shortening

• Guests can shorten URLs.
• Registered users can shorten URLs and store them in their accounts.
• Unique shortcode generation.
• Custom aliases for registered users.

📝 URL Management (Registered Users Only)

• Create, update, or delete URLs.
• Set expiration dates.
• Generate QR codes.
• Protect links with passwords.

📊 Analytics (Registered Users Only)

• Record visits for each URL.
• Track:
  • IP address & country
  • Device type
  • Browser & OS
• Display data in charts and tables.

🔄 Redirection

• Redirect visitors from short URLs to the original ones.
• Show an error page if a link is expired or invalid.

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✅ Non-Functional Requirements

• Performance: Redirection < 300ms under normal load.
• Security: All communications over HTTPS.
• Scalability: Handle 10,000+ requests per day.
• Maintainability: Follow Clean Architecture principles.

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👥 User Roles

• Guest: Shorten URLs without tracking.
• Registered User: Full feature access (management, analytics, customization).
• Administrator: Manage users, monitor system health, and handle abuse reports.

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📸 Demo / Screenshots

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🚧 Installation & Setup

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📜 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.