URL Shortener

About This Project

Welcome to the Python URL Shortener Pro. This project serves as a showcase for a 100% Python-based monolithic architecture. It is built to demonstrate how to transition from a Node.js/MERN stack mindset to modern Python web development.

How It Works

Unlike modern Single-Page Applications (SPAs) that require a separate frontend (like React or Vue), this application relies on Server-Side Rendering (SSR).

  • The backend is powered by FastAPI, a highly performant Python web framework.
  • HTML is dynamically generated on the server using the Jinja2 templating engine.
  • Instead of writing custom JavaScript to handle form submissions and UI updates, we use HTMX. HTMX allows us to make AJAX requests directly from HTML attributes (like hx-post) and swap specific parts of the page, giving the app a snappy, SPA-like feel without writing a single line of JavaScript.
  • Data is persisted in a PostgreSQL database, managed via the SQLAlchemy ORM.

Premium Features

  • Custom Aliases: Claim your own unique URL paths instead of random characters.
  • Password Protection: Secure sensitive destination links with bcrypt-hashed passwords.
  • Link Expiration: Set links to automatically expire (returning a 410 Gone status).
  • Inline QR Modals: Automatically generate scannable QR codes for every shortened URL, displayed in an HTMX-powered modal.
  • Rate Limiting: IP-based request throttling using slowapi to prevent spam.
  • Component Architecture & DRY Templates: Built using reusable Jinja2 macros (like ui_button, ui_input) and a master base.html layout to mimic a React component structure and maintain absolute UI consistency without the JS bloat.
  • Sleek Shadcn UI: Styled fully with Tailwind CSS using the premium, high-contrast monochrome Zinc theme and Inter typography.