Daily Hack #day34 - URL Shortener

URL shorteners are handy tools used to condense long URLs into shorter, more manageable ones. They work by redirecting users from the short URL to the original, longer URL. Here are a few points to consider about URL shorteners:

1. Space Efficiency: Long URLs can be cumbersome, especially in situations like sharing links in social media posts or text messages. URL shorteners help conserve space and make sharing easier.

2. Tracking and Analytics: Many URL shorteners offer tracking and analytics features, allowing users to monitor the performance of their links. This includes metrics such as the number of clicks, geographic location of users, and referral sources.

3. Customization: Some URL shorteners allow users to customize the shortened URL with a custom alias or keyword. This can be useful for branding purposes or making the URL more memorable.

4. Security Concerns: While URL shorteners offer convenience, they also pose security risks. Shortened URLs can disguise malicious links, making it difficult for users to discern whether a link is safe to click. It's essential to exercise caution when clicking on shortened URLs from unfamiliar sources.

5. Reliability: The longevity of shortened URLs can vary depending on the URL shortening service used. Some services may deactivate or expire shortened links after a certain period, which can lead to broken links if they are used in the long term.

Overall, URL shorteners are useful tools for simplifying and managing links, but users should be mindful of security implications and choose reputable services.

One such tool can be found following this link. In order to use it you just have to provide your long URL and click on the Shorten URL button and you will be presented with the tiny URL you can copy and share.