URL Slicer - A Basic URL Shortener

This is a simple URL shortener built using the Python web framework Flask and an SQLite database.

Steps to Run Locally (Windows)

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/krishnagopal596/urlslicer.git
   cd urlslicer

2. Create a virtual environment:

   python -m venv venv

3. Activate the virtual environment:

   .\venv\Scripts\Activate

   (You should see (venv) at the start of your prompt.)

4. Install required packages:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

5. Initialize the database:

   python urlslicer\init_db.py

6. Create a .env file in the urlslicer folder (where app.py is located):

   FLASK_APP=app
   FLASK_ENV=development
   

7. Run the Flask application from your project root folder:

   python -m flask run

8. Open http://localhost:5000 in your browser to use the app.

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Notes:

• All commands after step 3 must be executed while the virtual environment is activated.
• If you deploy to production, change FLASK_ENV=production in your .env file.
• If you encounter issues with flask run, always try python -m flask run.

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Usage

• Enter a long URL in the input box and press Submit.
• The shortened URL will appear below. Press Copy URL to copy it and paste it in another browser window.

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Enjoy using URL Slicer!