how does url shortener work

URL shorteners work by creating a redirect from a shorter, unique URL to a longer one. When a user clicks on the shortened URL, they are automatically redirected to the original, longer URL. The URL shortener service maintains a database that maps the short URL to the longer one, and uses this database to perform the redirect.

Here's a basic overview of the process:

1. A user submits a long URL to the URL shortener service.
2. The service generates a unique, shortened URL and adds it to its database along with the corresponding long URL.
3. The user is given the shortened URL, which they can share or use in place of the longer URL.
4. When a user clicks on the shortened URL, the URL shortener service uses its database to look up the corresponding long URL and performs a redirect to that URL.

URL shorteners can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as shortening long, unwieldy URLs for sharing on social media or in messaging apps, or for tracking clicks on specific links.

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