September 1, 2025

Overview

Shortifyr is a modern and efficient URL shortener that enables users to convert long, complex URLs into neat, shareable links.
It’s built with a Next.js frontend and an Express.js backend, designed for performance, simplicity, and scalability. The application supports random slug generation, instant redirects, and cloud deployment using Vercel (frontend) and Render (backend), ensuring fast global access and minimal latency.

Key Features

• 🔗 Instant URL Shortening
  Easily convert lengthy URLs into short, memorable links.
• ⚡ Real-Time Redirection
  Redirects users to the original URL instantly using optimized server logic.
• 🎯 Random Slug Generation
  Automatically generates unique slugs for each new URL entry.
• 📊 Analytics-Ready Design
  Built with a modular structure that supports integration of analytics (click counts, devices, user data).
• 🧩 Cloud Deployed
  Deployed seamlessly on Vercel for the frontend and Render for the backend for high uptime and scalability.

Technologies Used

• Frontend: Next.js, Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Express.js
• Database: PostgreSQL(NeonDB)
• Hosting: Vercel (frontend), Render (backend)
• Version Control: GitHub

Architecture

The architecture follows a decoupled design:

• The Next.js frontend handles user interaction and API communication.
• The Express.js backend manages URL creation, storage, and redirection logic.
• All shortened links are stored in a persistent database, ensuring long-term reliability.

This modular setup allows easy scalability, security, and future feature expansion — such as analytics, authentication, or custom link management.

Challenges & Learnings

• Designed a unique slug generation system ensuring no duplicate links.
• Deployed full-stack applications across two cloud providers (Vercel + Render) with proper CORS and routing configurations.
• Improved backend response times through optimized Express routes and efficient database indexing.
• Strengthened experience in frontend–backend integration and cloud CI/CD automation.

Outcome

• Built a production-ready URL shortener with a fast, responsive frontend and a reliable backend API.
• Reduced URL processing latency and improved user experience through instant redirect logic.
• Established a strong foundation for adding features like analytics, QR generation, and user account management.

Conclusion

Shortifyr demonstrates your ability to build, scale, and deploy end-to-end web applications using Next.js and Express.js.
Its performance-focused architecture, clean UI, and cloud deployment workflow highlight your strength in modern full-stack development and cloud-native design.