Build a URL Shortener with PHP
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Link Shortening Application Using PHP and MySQL
Learn to build a complete URL shortener from scratch using PHP and MySQL. Step-by-step guide covering database design, security, analytics, and deployment for real-world applications.
About This Book
Quick Overview
Learn to build a complete URL shortener from scratch using PHP and MySQL. Step-by-step guide covering database design, security, analytics, and deployment for real-world applications.
Key Topics Covered
- PHP web development
- MySQL database design
- URL shortening algorithms
- HTTP redirect handling
- Click tracking systems
- Web application security
- Form validation and sanitization
- Object-oriented programming
- Performance optimization
- Caching strategies
- Deployment and DevOps
- Analytics implementation
- Error handling and logging
- Clean URL rewriting
- Production server configuration
Who Should Read This Book
Intermediate PHP developers, Web developers expanding their skillset, Computer science students, Freelance developers building portfolios, Startup founders creating MVP applications, Backend developers learning full-stack development, Self-taught programmers seeking structured projects
Prerequisites
Basic PHP syntax and programming concepts, HTML and CSS fundamentals, MySQL database basics, Understanding of HTTP protocols, Basic command line usage, Web server concepts (Apache/Nginx), Git version control basics
Table of Contents
About This Publication
This comprehensive guide teaches you to build a professional URL shortener application using PHP and MySQL through hands-on, project-based learning. You'll master essential web development concepts while creating a real-world application from initial database design to live deployment. The book follows a systematic approach, beginning with project setup and database architecture, then progressing through core functionality implementation including form handling, algorithm development, and redirect logic. Advanced chapters cover click tracking, security implementation, performance optimization, and deployment strategies. You'll learn to write clean, maintainable PHP code following industry best practices, implement robust security measures to protect against common vulnerabilities, design efficient database schemas for scalability, and deploy applications to production environments. The project-based approach ensures you understand not just individual concepts, but how they integrate into a complete application. By the end of this book, you'll have built a fully functional URL shortener capable of handling real-world traffic, complete with analytics, security features, and professional deployment. More importantly, you'll have gained the confidence and skills to tackle ambitious PHP projects and understand the architecture behind modern web applications.
Book Details
- Format
- File Size
- 1.5 MB
- Chapters
- 10
- Code Examples
- 99
- Exercises
- 99
- Difficulty Level
- beginner
- Reading Time
- 20-26
Special Features
• Complete source code with detailed line-by-line explanations • Step-by-step tutorials with immediate practical application • Real-world project that can be added to your professional portfolio • Security-focused development with vulnerability prevention techniques • Performance optimization strategies for production environments • Comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues • Ready-to-use .htaccess configurations for clean URLs • Database export files for quick setup and deployment • Advanced features including analytics and click tracking • Professional deployment guidelines for live servers • Object-oriented programming examples and best practices • Complete testing strategies for web applications
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