URL Shortener

This is a full-stack URL shortener application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js). It allows users to enter long URLs and receive a shortened version. The backend stores the mapping in MongoDB, and users can be redirected to the original URL via the short code.

Features

• Accepts valid long URLs
• Generates unique 6-character hash-based short URLs
• Stores mappings in a MongoDB database
• Redirects users from short URLs to original URLs
• Responsive and animated React frontend

Technologies Used

Frontend

• React.js
• Axios
• CSS (no frameworks)

Backend

• Node.js
• Express.js
• Mongoose
• MongoDB Atlas
• Crypto (for hashing)

Project Structure

url-shortener/
├── backend/
│   ├── index.js
│   ├── .env
│   ├── models/
│   │   └── Url.js
│   └── package.json
│
├── frontend/
│   ├── public/
│   │   └── index.html
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── App.jsx
│   │   ├── UrlShortener.jsx
│   │   ├── styles.css
│   │   └── index.js
│   └── package.json

Setup Instructions

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/your-username/url-shortener.git
cd url-shortener

2. Backend Setup

cd backend
npm install

Create a .env file in the backend/ directory and add your MongoDB URI:

MONGO_URI=mongodb+srv://<username>:<password>@cluster.mongodb.net/urlshortener

Start the backend server:

node index.js

The backend will be available at: http://localhost:5000

3. Frontend Setup

cd ../frontend
npm install
npm start

The frontend will be available at: http://localhost:3000

Usage

1. Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.
2. Enter any valid long URL (must include http:// or https://).
3. Click the Shorten button.
4. A short URL (e.g., http://localhost:5000/u/abc123) will be displayed.
5. Visiting that short URL will redirect to the original link.

Deployment

• Frontend can be deployed using Vercel.
• Backend can be deployed using Render or Railway.

Be sure to securely configure environment variables (MONGO_URI) on your hosting platform.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.