Flask-based URL shortener with custom aliases
SharpLink URL Allies
SharpLink URL Allies is a full-stack URL shortening service built with Flask and SQLite. It supports custom slug aliases, time-based link expiry, optional TinyURL mirror creation, rate limiting, and a lightweight REST API. The project is designed as a practical demonstration of backend fundamentals, RESTful design, and production-grade deployment on Render.
Problem
Most URL shorteners are either closed-source SaaS products with opaque analytics, or toy demos without real features like expiration, aliasing, or fallback mirrors.
Solution
SharpLink keeps the full stack open and self-hostable: Flask handles routing and persistence via SQLite, rate limiting prevents abuse, and the optional TinyURL mirror gives every link a backup destination without third-party lock-in.
Outcome
A fully deployed, production-ready URL shortener that demonstrates Python backend engineering, RESTful API design, and clean deployment practices on a live server.
Standout Features
- Custom alias support for branded short links
- Time-based link expiration with datetime picker
- Optional TinyURL mirror for fallback redundancy
- Rate limiting and lightweight REST API
Stack & Signals
- Python
- Flask
- SQLite
- REST API
- Render
Canonical destination