AMD201 Assignment Brief: Build a URL Shortener with .NET Core

AMD201 Assignment Brief: Build a URL Shortener with .NET Core 

Overview

A URL shortener is a tool that converts long URLs into more manageable, shorter versions2. This is useful for sharing links on platforms with character limits or improving user experience by reducing clutter3. 

Two popular URL shorteners are Bitly and TinyURL4. In this assignment, you will design and implement a URL shortener using .NET Core1. You will learn how to apply the principles of system design and API design to create a scalable, performant, and user- friendly application.

Scenario 

You are a team of software engineers (3 members/team maximum) working for a startup company that wants to launch a new URL-shortening service. Your task is to design and develop the backend system and API for the service. You will also create a simple front-end web application to demonstrate the functionality of your service.

Requirements Your URL shortener service should have the following features: 

• Generate a unique code for a given URL 
• Redirect users who access the short link to the original URL 
• Validate the input URL and handle errors gracefully 
• Store the shortened URLs and their metadata in a database 
• Expose a RESTful API for creating and retrieving shortened URLs 
• Create a web application that allows users to interact with your service 

You can consider the following architecture for the starting point

Deliverables 

You will submit the following deliverables: 

• Group Presentation (70%):You will present your system design and implementation to the class. You will explain the architecture, technologies, and trade-offs of your solution. You will also demonstrate the functionality of your web application. Your presentation should include slides and source code.
• Individual Report (30%):You will write a self-evaluation reportof the project. You will reflect on your contribution, challenges, and learning outcomes. You will also provide feedback on your team members and the assignment.

AMD201 Assessment 

To pass this course, you must achieve at least 5 on average.

You will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

Group Presentation