How do you approach designing a URL shortener like Bitly?

Honestly, it's fairly straightforward—just hash the URL and set up a redirect from the shortened version to the original URL. If that's all you're looking for, it feels like this question might be missing some depth. But if you're looking for variations of the implementation or scalability concerns, that's where things can get interesting!

It might help to clarify what exactly the URL shortener problem entails. During an interview for AWS, I was asked how I would design such a system. It's all about the architecture—think caching, a bloom filter for quick lookups, and distribution options. You can really get creative with your approach. Just remember, it's not just about getting it right; it's about showcasing your thought process. I didn't nail my interview, but it's definitely a great topic for discussion!