Internship Assignment: Build a Short URL Service

Objective

Design and develop a web-based Short URL service that allows users to create, manage, and analyze shortened links. The service should include both a user-facing front end and a backend admin page to handle URL submissions and track statistics.

Requirements

1. Data Structure

Shortened URL Data: Each record should include a unique short code, the original URL, creation timestamp, visit count, and optional metadata (such as title, notes, or tags).

JSON Format: The service should support importing/exporting collections of URLs via JSON files using the following structure:

[
  {
    "short_code": "abc123",
    "original_url": "https://example.com/page",
    "created_at": "2025-11-18T23:59:00Z",
    "visit_count": 42,
    "meta": {
      "title": "Example Page",
      "notes": "Optional description or notes",
      "tags": ["test", "demo"]
    }
  },
  // more URL records
]

User Data: Record user actions and allow owner-level visibility on URLs they created.

2. User Interface (UI)

Main View:
- Simple form to enter an original URL and generate a short code.
- List of recently created short URLs for the current user, each showing visit count and metadata.
- Form for editing metadata or deleting a short URL.
Redirection:
- When a short code is accessed, redirect to the original URL and increment the visit count.
Backend Admin Page:
- Interface for authorized users to upload JSON files containing URL batches.
- Validate and merge uploaded records, preventing collisions and preserving visit history.
- Export URL collections to JSON.
Design Considerations:
- Ensure responsive, clean, and accessible layout.
- Provide clear feedback for errors, duplicate codes, and link expiration.
- Optionally allow statistics/analytics on link accesses.

3. Technology Stack

Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript; optionally React.js or Vue.js.
Backend: Node.js or preferred backend technology to generate short codes, handle redirects, store records, and manage uploads.
Storage: File system or database (like MongoDB or SQLite) for URL records and visit data.

4. Deliverables

Fully functional Short URL app with user and admin features.
Documentation for data formats, design choices, and development challenges.
Video walkthrough or presentation demonstrating features.

5. Evaluation Criteria

Functionality, UI/UX, code quality, and enhancements/analytics.

Sample JSON

[
  {
    "short_code": "go123",
    "original_url": "https://github.com/RecursiveZero",
    "created_at": "2025-11-18T18:00:00Z",
    "visit_count": 108,
    "meta": {
      "title": "GitHub RecursiveZero",
      "notes": "Company profile link",
      "tags": ["company", "github"]
    }
  },
  {
    "short_code": "tzip",
    "original_url": "https://threadzip.com/privacy",
    "created_at": "2025-11-16T10:30:00Z",
    "visit_count": 70,
    "meta": {
      "title": "Threadzip Privacy Policy",
      "notes": "",
      "tags": ["policy"]
    }
  }
]

Deadline

Final Submission Date: 7 Days since first Pull Date

Submission Process

GitHub Repository

Create a public GitHub repository for your project.
Commit and push your code regularly, documenting significant changes with clear commit messages.
Ensure the repository contains all project files, including the source code, documentation, and any necessary resources.

Submission

Invite @recursivezero to your private repository as a collaborator.
Submit a link to your GitHub repository via Email on recursivezero@outlook.com by the deadline.
Prepare for a brief presentation or demo to showcase your work.

Note: This assignment aims to evaluate your skills in web development, design aesthetics, and attention to detail. Good luck!

© 2025 RecursiveZero Private Limited, All rights reserved.

FilesExpand file tree

URlShortner.md

Latest commit

History