Add a URL Shortener Function to Your Application
Tags: tutorial, functions, git
Published: 2023-09-13 08:52:49

As a part of Appwrite 1.4, one of the new features we have introduced to Appwrite Functions is Function Templates. Function templates are pre-built Appwrite Functions that can be integrated into your Appwrite project with just a few clicks. Using them, you can easily incorporate new features and integrations into your app without writing additional code or managing infrastructure.

A URL shortener takes a long or complex URL and generates a shorter, more concise version. The primary purpose of a URL shortener function is to make links easier to share, manage, and remember.
For e.g https://dev.to/appwrite/introducing-appwrite-migrations-effortless-data-migration-from-your-platforms-5dhh to http://tinyurl.com/bd5usb3n 

In this blog, we’ll learn to build a URL shortener using Appwrite Functions template. The template benefits from the built-in scalability, reliability, and security of Appwrite Functions.

You can find the source code on our [templates GitHub repository](https://github.com/appwrite/templates/tree/main/node/url-shortener).

## Setting up the Template
To get started, you need to navigate to the functions page on the **[Appwrite](https://appwrite.io/cloud)** console. From there, we will select the **Templates** tab, search for and select the **URL Shortener** function template.



![functions](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/308fo6122x6ykrkwxj2u.png)

The function requires two variables:
- APPWRITE_API_KEY
- SHORT_BASE_URL



![Appwrite console - adding variables](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tthf0alfwhce03zr6c8b.png)

Once you have populated those, you can go straight to the **Connect** step.



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/014safbw7f71zgl7l3vv.png)

Select **Create a new repository** (this will generate a GitHub repository for you with the function), and leave the production branch and root settings as default to create this function.

## Using the Function

Visit the **Domains** tab on the function page and copy the domain URL to test the function.



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xwtl9qvov73r46b10bqn.png)

Go to the function URL in your web browser, and you'll see a short url like the one shown below.

## Next Steps

URL shorteners often offer additional features such as tracking click-through rates, providing analytics on link usage, and allowing users to customize the shortened URL to some extent.This Function Template can be extended to perform a lot of functionalities. Some examples are:

1. **Link Analytics and Tracking:** Enhance the URL shortener to track click-through rates, geographical location of users, referral sources, and other analytics data. This could provide valuable insights into the popularity and effectiveness of shared links.
2. **Link Management Dashboard:** Create a user-friendly dashboard where users can manage their shortened links, view statistics, and perform various actions on their links.

Be sure to check out the other available Function Templates. We’ve created many that could be of use in your projects. You can find the [templates GitHub repository here](https://github.com/appwrite/templates).

For more information about Appwrite and Appwrite Functions:

1. **[Appwrite Function Docs](https://appwrite.io/docs/functions)**: These documents provide more information on how to use Appwrite Functions.
2. **[Functions Announcement](https://dev.to/appwrite/serverless-your-way-unleashing-appwrite-functions-true-potential-2l4f)**: Read the full announcement on Functions 1.4.
3. **[Appwrite Discord](https://discord.com/invite/appwrite)**: Connect with other developers and the Appwrite team for discussion, questions, and collaboration.