What is a URL shortener?

As you read articles or blogs on the internet, you may have run across some link that begin with “http://tinyurl.com” or “http://snurl.com“, but you weren’t sure what it meant.  Those are just two of many websites that offer a URL shortener.

You might ask – “What is a URL shortener?”.  Here is one definition:

“A URL shortener is a Web site that will create a short Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Web page address from a long one so that the short version, which is easier to remember and enter, can be used instead. For example, if you need to frequently enter a URL into e-mail messages or read it over the phone, a long URL is prone to mistyping or misunderstanding. By going to a free Web site service like TinyURL.com or notlong.com, you can swap your long URL for a short one. The URL shortening service will maintain the association between the two and will redirect anyone who enters the short URL to the page at the long URL.” (definition taken from Whatis.com)

If you want to pass on a LONG web address to fellow teachers, students, or parents, you might choose a URL shortener.  You can turn this -

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Perris+Elementary+School+Dist&city=Perris&state=CA&address=143+E+1st+St&zipcode=92570&country=US&latitude=33.78548&longitude=-117.223624&geocode=ADDRESS&id=11388985

into

http://tinyurl.com/6p9t42

Which would you prefer to copy and paste, or even worse, type into your browser?  Next time you need to pass on a huge web address, consider trying a URL shortner

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