This step-by-step blog guide outlines how to build a URL shortener service with Node.js.
The article first discusses why Node.js is ideal for these applications and then outlines the benefits of a custom URL shortener service.
The post then walks you through the setup of a Node.js development environment and installing essential dependencies.
The guide presents a MongoDB schema design to store the original URL and its shortened code.
Subsequently, the post demonstrates how to construct an Express server and API routes for creating shortened URLs and redirecting consumers from shortened to original URLs.
Environment variables are recommended for managing sensitive data such as connection strings, and domain URLs.
The article also discusses methods for testing the URL shortener and best practices for building one.
Finally, it summarises useful SEO recommendations for ensuring a successful service.