hardGoogleSystem Design2024 · 2023 · 2021

Design a URL shortener (TinyURL)

Q: Design a URL shortener (TinyURL)

Generate a short code via base62 of an auto-increment id or a hash + collision check. Store `code → longUrl` in a KV/SQL store, cache hot reads, and shard by code. Add analytics asynchronously. Discuss read:write ratio (heavy read) and 301 vs 302.

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Design a scalable URL shortening service. Cover the API, storage, and how you generate short codes.

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