Link Scissor Documentation

Joseph TaiwoJoseph Taiwo
2 min read

Description

Link Scissor is an application that helps you to make your favorite URLs as short as possible. With the customization options, it is even possible to store the links in your head, allowing you to easily access them whenever you want.

Installation

To setup the link-scissor locally on your computer, carry out the following steps:

  1. Clone The Repository:

Run this command in a terminal in VS Code

git clone https://github.com/Teejay128/link-scissor.git

This creates a local version of the codebase on your machine

  1. Install Dependencies:

Run this command in the root project directory

npm install

This installs all the necessary dependencies and packages

  1. Set Environmental Variables

Create a .env file with the following variables

# Development
PORT=<port number (4000)>
API_URL=<application link (localhost:<PORT>)
MONGODB_URL=<mongodb database url>

This creates environmental variables for the application

  1. Start Application

Run this command in the terminal

npm start

Once the server is running and the database is connected, visit the API_URL (above), or enter localhost:4000 in your browser

Usage

Visit the live version hosted on Render

Enter the link to be shortened in the field labeled Long URL Enter your custom code, (not more than 8 characters) Click the Shorten Link button Previously shortened links can be viewed in the Link History

Read the full documentation for information on endpoints and additional details

Key Features

  • Customization: Users can customize their URL codes, rather than having a random code generated. For instance, you could use the code myrsm to store a link to your resume.

  • Cloud stored: Your links are stored on the cloud, allowing you to access them from any device with an internet connection.

  • Clicks: Clicks to your link are monitored and are reflected in the clicks field of the link history table.

  • QR Code: Each link gets a unique QR Code that allows easier access just by scanning.

Technologies

NodeJS(express) for server configuration MongoDB Compass/Atlas as database EJS for view rendering Bootstrap for simple styling

Roadmap

Some potential future enhancements for the Project Name application:

  • User authentication and user-specific link history.
  • Advanced analytics and click tracking.
  • Integration with third-party link shortener services.
  • Social media sharing options.

Contact

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Written by

Joseph Taiwo
Joseph Taiwo

I am a backend developer learning the MERN stack, I am looking to leverage my tech skills to solve real-world problems. I am also a technical writer sharing knowledge on the things I learn as immediately I learn them. Looking for a junior backend developer or technical writing role