Asp.Net Core Web Api: Create Your Own Bitly-Style Link Short

Hands-on ASP.NET Core Web API project — build and manage your own Bitly-style URL shortener from scratch.

What you'll learn

Build a complete ASP.NET Core Web API from scratch using Entity Framework Core and a real-world project example.

Implement CRUD operations to create, read, update, and delete shortened links in a database.

Generate unique short codes automatically or allow users to create their own custom short links

Configure URL redirection logic so short links instantly send users to their original destinations.

alidate and sanitize user input to ensure short codes are unique, safe, and follow defined rules.

Set up and configure SQLite with Entity Framework Core for quick and lightweight database storage.

Organize a clean ASP.NET Core project structure with Models, Controllers, and Data layers.

Test API endpoints using Postman to verify functionality and debug issues.

Apply REST API best practices for naming routes, structuring responses, and handling errors.

Plan a Web API using an ERD and endpoint list before writing any code.

Requirements

Basic understanding of C# (variables, classes, methods).

Familiarity with ASP.NET Core basics is helpful but not required — we’ll explain everything step-by-step.

A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Visual Studio (Community Edition or higher) or Visual Studio Code installed.

An internet connection to download packages and test the API.

Description

Have you ever wondered how popular URL shorteners like Bitly or TinyURL work behind the scenes? In this hands-on, project-based course, you’ll not only discover the answer but also build your very own Bitly-style link shortener using ASP.NET Core Web API — completely from scratch.We’ll begin with zero assumptions about your starting point. Together, we’ll go through the essentials of setting up your development environment, creating the database connection, and designing a clean, scalable data model. You’ll learn how to structure your API project like a professional, ensuring that the code remains easy to understand, extend, and maintain.Once the foundation is in place, we’ll dive into the core features that make a URL shortener work:Automatically generating short links from long URLsCreating custom short codes for personalized brandingUpdating existing links when changes are neededDeleting links you no longer want activeRedirecting users seamlessly to their original destinationsThroughout the course, you’ll gain practical, job-ready skills in:Entity Framework Core for efficient database operationsREST API design principles for building reliable and predictable APIsData validation and input security to protect your applicationPostman testing to verify your endpoints and troubleshoot issues effectivelyBut this isn’t just about following a tutorial — you’ll be building a real, portfolio-ready project that demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and deliver a functional web API. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to showcase your link shortener to potential employers or clients, and the knowledge to extend it with advanced features like authentication, analytics, and click tracking.Whether you are:A beginner learning backend development for the first timeA junior developer looking to strengthen your ASP.NET Core skillsOr a programmer from another stack wanting to break into C# and .NETThis course is designed to guide you step-by-step in an approachable, beginner-friendly way while also preparing you with concepts used in professional backend projects.By the end, you’ll have both the skills and the confidence to tackle your own API projects — and the satisfaction of knowing exactly how a URL shortener works, inside and out.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Lecture2: Set up Lab

Section 2: Project Set Up and Configurations

Lecture 3 Configuring Your Connection String in ASP.NET Core

Lecture 4 Generating Database Code with EF Core Scaffolding

Lecture 5 Auto-Generating Controllers with Scaffolding

Lecture 6 DTOs - Data Transfer Between Layers

Beginner to intermediate C# developers who want to build a complete project using ASP.NET Core Web API.,Students learning backend development who want a hands-on, real-world example.,Aspiring full-stack developers who want to strengthen their API skills before connecting to a frontend.,Anyone curious about how URL shorteners (like Bitly) work and wants to implement one from scratch.,Self-learners preparing for programming interviews or portfolio projects in .NET.