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URL Shortener Generator Project

URL Shortener Generator Project is one of the most common software development projects. In this article, we will make the URL Shortener Generator software development project, from scratch, for final-year students. We will cover all the steps you must do while developing this project.

URL Shortener Generator Project

Demo Video:



How to create a URL Shortener Generator Project?

Project Development is a multiphase process in which every process is equally important. Here in this post, we are also going to develop our URL Shortener Generator Project in multiple phases, such as:

  1. Team Formation
  2. Topic Selection
  3. Creating Project Synopsys
  4. Requirement Gathering
  5. Coding or Implementation
  6. Testing
  7. Project Presentation
  8. Writing a Research Paper

Step 1- Team Formation Phase: Creating a Dynamic Team

Team formation for a final-year project is a crucial aspect that can significantly impact the success and efficiency of the project. In the final year, students often have diverse academic backgrounds, skills, and interests. Therefore, forming a well-balanced team becomes essential to leverage the strengths of each member and address any potential weaknesses.



In Our project, we will be exploring web applications for the URL Shortener Generator Project so we will be required below skill sets.

  1. Front end Developer
  2. Back end Developer
  3. Tester

Step 2- Topic Selection

While making our project of URL Shortener Generator this will be our second step in which we will find an interesting problem statement and try to generate an idea to solve that problem using our knowledge.

Choose a topic related to your field of study that is of great interest to you. It is advised that you pick a topic that has a powerful motive. For instance, a project that helps humankind will truly be unmatched. Another factor to keep in mind is to choose topics that aren’t very common.

  1. Topic Planning: In this phase team will gather and try to search for a topic or problem statement by brainstorming, reverse thinking, or any other strategy and select a problem that is challenging and solvable by using their combined knowledge of tech.
  2. Defining & Set Objective: After planning the problem statement we will define a clear problem statement and its objectives.

Result: At the end of this phase we will have a problem statement for our project.

In our example we are selecting the topic ” URL Shortener Generator” .

After the selection of the topic we are going to start our project work in the following steps:

Step 3- Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

A project synopsis serves as a concise overview or summary of a proposed project, offering a brief but comprehensive insight into its objectives, scope, methodology, and expected outcomes. It typically acts as a preliminary document, providing supervisors, or evaluators with a quick understanding of the project before they delve into more detailed documentation.

The project synopsis usually includes key elements such as the project title, problem statement or context, objectives, scope and limitations, methodology or approach, expected outcomes, and the significance of the project in the broader context. It serves as a roadmap, guiding readers through the fundamental aspects of the project and helping them grasp its purpose and potential impact.

Below are some of the points we have to cover in the synopsis report :

  • Project Title
  • Introduction of Project
    • Problem Statement
    • Proposed Solution
    • Objective of the Project
    • Scope of the Project
  • Methodologies used
    • ER Model
    • Use case Diagram
    • Dataflow Diagram
  • Features of the project
    • For Users
    • For Admin
  • Impact of the project
  • Limitations of the project
  • Future scope of the project

Let’s create a Synopsys Report for URL Shortener Generator:

3.1 Introduction | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

The URL Shortener Generator Project is made to automate and simplify the process of shortening URLs. It functions as a comprehensive system that creates short and easy-to-manage connections, making the sharing and monitoring of web addresses across multiple platforms simpler. A URL shortener generator project’s main goal is to effectively plan and oversee the creation of shortened URLs so that users may quickly generate, share, and track the effectiveness of their links.

3.1.1 Problem Statement for URL Shortener Generator

The growth of online material in today’s digital ecosystem has increased the demand for effective URL management systems. Users find it difficult to manage and optimize their links with traditional URL-shortening solutions because they are unable to handle a variety of forms and offer thorough statistics. Users are unable to fully use the potential of their online material due to inefficiencies in the generation and management of shortened URLs caused by the lack of sophisticated tracking capabilities and user-friendly interfaces.

A modern URL Shortener Generator Project that is equipped with strong tracking mechanisms, intuitive user interfaces, and cutting-edge analytics capabilities is desperately needed to close this gap and satisfy the needs of the digital age. This will enable users to efficiently manage and optimize their web links.

3.1.2 Proposed Solution for URL Shortener Generator:

To solve the traditional issue we are building a Web development project of URL Shortener Generator using Html , CSS, Php and MYSQL in which we will be providing User-friendly interface for easy navigation .

3.1.3 Objective of the Project:

The objective of the URL Shortener Generator project is to design and implement an efficient and user-friendly system that automates the various tasks associated shortening the long URLs.

The primary goals of the URL Shortener Generator Project include:

3.1.4 Scope of the Project:

It may help collecting perfect management in details . In a very short time the collection will be obvious simple and sensible. it will help a person to know the management of passed year perfectly and vividly. it also helps in current all works relative to URL Shortener Generator . It will reduce the cost of collecting the management and collection procedure will go on smoothly.

The scope of the project of a URL Shortener Generator Project typically covers the following aspects:

1. Functional Scope:

2. Non-Functional Scope:

3.2 Methodologies | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

In this project, we are using various technologies and new methodologies to solve our problems. Below is a detailed description of the technology used and methods we are applying in our project.

Technology Used

Here we are developing a URL Shortener Generator using HTML, CSS for the frontend, and MySQL, PHP, and JavaScript for the backend involves a structured methodology.

ER Model of URL Shortener Generator

An Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) for a URL Shortener Generator models the entities and their relationships within the system. Below is a simplified ERD for a URL Shortener Generator. In Synopsys we make a rough ER Diagram to give a idea about the working of the project.

ER diagram of URL Shortener Generator

Data Flow Diagram of URL Shortener Generator:

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) serves as a visual representation of the flow of information within the system. This diagram illustrates how data, such as URL information, moves between various components of the Project.

The DFD provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Project’s data flow and interactions, aiding in the analysis, design, and communication of the system’s functional aspects.

Use Case Diagram of URL Shortener Generator:

Use case diagram referred as a Behaviour model or diagram. It simply describes and displays the relation or interaction between the users or customers and providers of application service or the system. It describes different actions that a system performs in collaboration to achieve something with one or more users of the system. Use case diagram is used a lot nowadays to manage the system.

Here is a Use Case Diagram for the URL Shortener Generator Project:

3.3 Features | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

1. Easy Method for Shortening URLs:

2. Instant Access to Shortened Links:

3. Copy to Clipboard Functionality:

3.4 Impact | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

With its development using contemporary technologies like MySQL and PHP, the suggested URL Shortening Tool is expected to have a big influence on user interaction and online content exchange. The following are the expected advantages for both users and content producers:

In summary, the URL Shortening Tool is poised to revolutionize online content sharing by offering a user-friendly interface, time-saving functionalities, and reliable link management capabilities. Its impact extends to various online platforms and industries, facilitating seamless content dissemination and engagement.

3.5 Limitations | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

URL Shortener Generator can offer many benefits, but it may also have certain limitations. Here are some potential constraints associated with such a system:

3.6 Future Scope | Project Synopsys for URL Shortener Generator

Future improvements and additions to the URL Shortening Tool could lead to much more sophisticated features and expanded capabilities. Here are a few directions that could go in the future:

Step 4- Requirement Gathering (Creating SRS for URL Shortener Generator)

This is the next phase after the submission of the synopsis report. We can do this process before the Synopsys report creation as well , It is all depends upon the project and their requirements. Here after getting an overview about the project now we can easily do the requirement gathering for our project.

Requirement analysis, also known as requirements engineering or elicitation, is a critical phase in the software development process. It involves gathering, documenting, and analysing the needs and constraints of a project to define its scope and guide subsequent development.

We develop a detailed Software Requirement Specification for URL Shortener Generator, in this process which will have all the details about the project from Technical to Non Technical Requirements.

Software Requirement Specification (SRS) Document | URL Shortener Generator

Below are some of the key points in a Software Requirement Specification Document:

  • Introduction
    • Purpose
    • Scope
  • Overall Description
    • Product Perspective
    • Product Function
    • User Classes and characteristics
    • Operating Environment
    • Assumptions and Dependencies
  • Functional Requirements
    • Software Requirements
    • Hardware Requirements
    • Database Requirements
  • Non-Functional Requirement
    • Usability Requirements
    • Security Requirements
    • Availability Requirements
    • Scalability Requirements
    • Performance Requirements
  • Design
    • Control Flow Diagram
    • ER Model of LMS
    • Use Case Diagram
  • System Features

Note: To know more about What is a SRS Document or How to write a good SRS for your Project follow these articles.

Let’s Start building a Software Requirement Specification for URL Shortener Generator Document for our project:

4.1 SRS (URL Shortener Generator) | Introduction:

4.1.1 Purpose

The main objective of this document is to illustrate the requirements of the project URL Shortener Generator. The document gives the detailed description of the both functional and non-functional requirements proposed by the client. The purpose of this project is to provide a friendly environment to maintain the details of URLs. It describes the hardware and software interface requirements using ER Models and UML diagrams.

4.1.2 Scope of the Project:

By simplifying and modernizing the process of creating abbreviated URLs, the URL Shortener Tool hopes to give consumers a practical and effective platform for managing links and sharing content. Developed with both novice and expert users in mind, the project provides an extensive user interface for URL tracking and administration.

4.2 Overall Description | URL Shortener Generator:

3.2.1 Product Perspective

This app provides Link shortening services worldwide . it will shorten the long links, URLs into small link which is sharable.

4.2.2 System Interface

The user interface for the task will have a site that will have the input box to take the long links or URLS. This site will utilize html , CSS , JavaScript, PHP, MYSQL for site.

4.2.3 Product Functions

4.2.4 Operating Environment:

URL Shortener Generator is an web application which you can run using your favourite browser. In the application the URL you want to shorten is provided and you will get the short link for that URL.

4.2.5 Assumption and Dependencies:

Assumptions and dependencies play a crucial role in the development and operation of any application, including a URL Shortener Generator application. These factors influence the accuracy, reliability, and overall performance of the application.

Here are some key assumptions and dependencies for a URL Shortener Generator Project:

Assumptions:

Dependencies:

4.3 Functional Requirements | URL Shortener Generator

4.3.1 Software Requirements

This software package is developed using html , CSS for frontend and JavaScript for the backend. Using Vs Code as a text editor and Google Chrome for the execution of our code.

Required Specifications for our Device:

4.3.2 Hardware Requirements:

4.4 Non-Functional Requirements

4.4.1 Usability Requirements

4.4.2 Availability Requirements

Here are key availability requirements:

4.4.4 Performance Requirements

The system shall accommodate high number of users simultaneously and users can minify their URLs. Responses to view information shall take no longer than 5 seconds to appear on the screen.

4.4.4 Error Requirements:

URL Shortener shall handle expected and non-expected errors in ways that prevent loss in information and long downtime period.

4.5 Design:

The design phase in URL Shortener Generator development is a crucial stage where the conceptual ideas and requirements are transformed into a detailed and visually appealing blueprint. This phase involves creating the Data flow Diagrams, ER model design, and the overall architecture of the URL Shortener Generator.

4.5.1 Data Flow Diagram of URL Shortener Generator

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) serves as a visual representation of the flow of information within the system. This diagram illustrates how data, such as Long URLs, Short URLs in URL Shortener Generator.

Let’s Draw a Dataflow Diagram for our project:

4.5.2 ER Model for URL Shortener Generator Project

An Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) for a URL Shortener Generator is the entities and their relationships within the system.

Let’s Draw an ER Diagram for our URL Shortener Generator:

ER diagram of URL Shortener Generator

4.5.3 Use Case Diagram:

A use case diagram is a visual representation of the functional requirements of a system, illustrating how users interact with the system and the system’s responses.

Step 5: Coding or Implementation of URL Shortener Generator Project:

At this stage, the fundamental development of the product starts. For this, developers use a specific programming code as per the design. Hence, it is important for the coders to follow the protocols set by the association. Conventional programming tools like compilers, interpreters, debuggers, etc. are also put into use at this stage.

In our project we are using html , CSS, JavaScript, PHP and MYSQL to build the project so in this stage we are going to code our project. Before going further lets talk about the environment we need for the project.

5.1 Environment Creation:

In this stage we are going to create the environment to build our project, We will install all required software and extensions for ease in the coding part.

Required Softwares:

5.2 Implementation of URL Shortener Generator Project | Frontend Development:

In this stage we are going to develop our frontend part of the project .

This is how our page will looks like:
After providing the long URL in the input box an submitting it.

Homepage of URL Shortener Generator Project

URL Shortener Generator Project

Code:

Below is the Code for Creating above page:




/* style.css */
 
body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    height: 100vh;
    background-color: #f2f2f2;
    background-image: url("bg.jpg");
    backdrop-filter: blur(1px);
}
 
.container {
    text-align: center;
}
 
h1 {
    font-size: 36px;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    color: #333;
}
 
form {
    max-width: 400px;
    margin: 0 auto;
}
 
input[type="text"] {
    width: calc(100% - 80px);
    padding: 10px;
    border: 1px solid #ccc;
    border-radius: 5px 0 0 5px;
    outline: none;
}
 
button {
    width: 80px;
    padding: 10px;
    background-color: #4CAF50;
    color: white;
    border: none;
    border-radius: 5px;
    cursor: pointer;
    outline: none;
    margin-top: 30px;
}
 
button:hover {
    background-color: #45a049;
}
 
.copy-button {
    width: 100%;
}
 
.copy-button:hover {
    background-color: #0056b3;
}
 
#shortened-url {
    text-decoration: none;
    padding: 14px;
    background: #dfcdcd;
    border-radius: 4px;
    box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
}




// index.php
 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
 
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>URL Shortener</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" />
</head>
 
<body>
    <div class="container">
        <h1>Welcome to our URL Shortener</h1>
        <form action="shorten.php" method="post">
            <input type="text" name="long_url" placeholder="Enter URL to shorten">
            <button type="submit">Shorten</button>
        </form>
    </div>
</body>
 
</html>




// shorten.php
<?php
// Connect to MySQL database
$conn = new mysqli('localhost', 'root', '', 'ust');
 
// Check connection
if ($conn->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}
 
// Function to generate a random short code
function generateShortCode() {
    return substr(md5(uniqid()), 0, 6); // Change length as needed
}
 
// Initialize variable to store shortened URL
$shortened_url = '';
 
// Handle form submission
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
    $long_url = $_POST["long_url"];
    $short_code = generateShortCode();
 
    // Insert the mapping into the database
    $sql = "INSERT INTO urls (long_url, short_code) VALUES ('$long_url', '$short_code')";
    if ($conn->query($sql) === TRUE) {
        // Construct the shortened URL
        $shortened_url = "http://localhost/UrlShorter-main/$short_code"; // Change domain as needed
    } else {
        echo "Error: " . $sql . "<br>" . $conn->error;
    }
}
 
// Close database connection
$conn->close();
?>
 
 
 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Shortened URL</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" />
</head>
<body>
 
<?php if (!empty($shortened_url)): ?>
    <h1>Shortened URL</h1>
     
    <p>
        <a id="shortened-url" href="<?php echo $shortened_url; ?>"><?php echo $shortened_url; ?></a>
        <br>
        <button class="copy-button" onclick="copyToClipboard()">Copy to clipboard</button>
    </p>
 
<?php else: ?>
    <h1>Error</h1><br>
    <p>There was an error shortening the URL.</p>
<?php endif; ?>
 
<script>
    function copyToClipboard() {
        var urlElement = document.getElementById("shortened-url");
        var url = urlElement.textContent;
 
        var tempInput = document.createElement("input");
        tempInput.setAttribute("value", url);
        document.body.appendChild(tempInput);
        tempInput.select();
        document.execCommand("copy");
        document.body.removeChild(tempInput);
 
        alert("URL copied to clipboard: " + url);
    }
</script>
 
</body>
</html>




// redirect.php
 
<?php
// Database connection
$conn = new mysqli('localhost', 'root', '', 'ust');
 
// Check connection
if ($conn->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}
 
// Parse the shortened URL to extract the minified code
$shortened_url = $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'];
$parts = explode('/', $shortened_url);
$minified_code = end($parts);
 
// Look up the original URL in the database
$sql = "SELECT long_url FROM urls WHERE short_code = '$minified_code'";
$result = $conn->query($sql);
 
if ($result->num_rows > 0) {
    // Redirect to the original URL
    $row = $result->fetch_assoc();
    $original_url = $row["long_url"];
    header("Location: $original_url");
    exit();
} else {
    // Original URL not found, display an error page
    http_response_code(404);
    echo "Error: Original URL not found";
}
 
// Close database connection
$conn->close();
?>




RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ redirect.php [L,QSA]

SQL query:

CREATE TABLE urls (
id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
long_url VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
short_code VARCHAR(10) NOT NULL UNIQUE
);

Step 6: Testing of URL Shortener Generator

Testing is a crucial phase in the development of a URL Shortener Generator Project to ensure that it meets its intended requirements, functions correctly, and is free of bugs.

Below are some key steps and considerations for the testing phase of a URL Shortener Generator Project:

1. Unit Testing:

2. Integration Testing:

3. Functional Testing:

4. User Interface (UI) Testing:

5. Performance Testing:

6. Security Testing:

Step 7- Creating Project Presentation on URL Shortener Generator Project

In this phase of software development, Team will have to present their work in front of authorities and they will judge your work and give suggestions on the improvement areas.

The ideal length of the ppt should be min 10 slides and maximum 15 slides , you will not have too much time to explain your project so prepare your presentation carefully using important key points.

Some of the key points (slides) which your presentation should have are given below:

  1. Project Name and Team Details
  2. Introduction
  3. Purpose
  4. Project Scope
  5. Problem Statement
  6. Proposed Solution
  7. Product Functionalities
  8. Flow chart of the project
  9. Analysis of model
  10. Summary

Future Enhancements for URL Shortener Generator Project:


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