How Does a URL Shortener Work?

How Does a URL Shortener Work?

Tim Leland

A URL shortener is a tool that converts a long URL into a short one. The long URL and short URL are stored in a database. When the short URL is clicked on, the server looks up the long URL and redirects to the long URL. It’s a simple concept but gets more complex when you add analytics and link management features supported in services such as T.LY.

  • Step 1: Enter the Long URL
  • Step 2: Create the short link
  • Step 3: Store the long URL and the short URL in a database
  • Step 4: Redirect when visited by looking up the long URL by using the short URL as the key

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Author Tim Leland

Tim Leland

Tim Leland brings over 20 years of software development experience to the table, creating products used by millions around the globe. In 2019, he founded T.LY with a vision to build the world’s shortest URL shortener—and since then, the platform’s popularity has soared. Under Tim’s leadership, T.LY has evolved into a top-tier solution recognized for its reliability and ease of use, now serving millions of satisfied users worldwide.

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About T.LY
T.LY is the best link management service to track, brand, and share short URLs and QR codes. Install our free Browser Extension with over 450,000 users from the extension store to automatically shorten links in one easy click! We support Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera.