URL Shortener

A URL shortener is a service that converts a long web address into a much shorter one. When someone opens the short link, the service responds with a redirect to the original destination.

Why it matters

Short links are easier to share in print, text messages and character-limited posts, and many services add click analytics or custom branded domains. They also hide the destination, which attackers use to disguise phishing and malware links. Another risk is link rot: if the shortening service closes or a link is deleted, every shared copy stops working.

Example

A request to a short link returns a redirect:

GET /abc123 HTTP/1.1
Host: sho.rt

HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently
Location: https://example.com/products/summer-sale?utm_source=newsletter

The browser then follows the Location header to the full address. A redirect checker lets you see that destination without visiting it.

Common mistakes

• Clicking short links from unknown senders without previewing where they lead.
• Using a free shortener for permanent printed material, with no guarantee it will exist later.
• Stacking several redirects, which adds delay and can break tracking.

Related

• Redirect 301 vs 302
• URL
• QR code
• UTM parameters
• टूल: Redirect checker

यह पेज सामान्य जानकारी है, जिसे हमारी संपादकीय टीम ने लिखा है और दस्तावेज़ीकरण बदलने पर अपडेट किया जाता है। सर्वर और प्रदाता अलग-अलग होते हैं, इसलिए बदलाव पहले सुरक्षित तरीके से जाँचें। देखें: संपादकीय नीति और अस्वीकरण.