.NET 9 URL Shortener API (Clean Architecture + CQRS)

Build and ship a blazing-fast URL shortener in minutes—not weeks.
This .NET 9 backend follows Clean Architecture + CQRS so you can scale safely, keep your codebase maintainable, and plug in new integrations without breaking core logic.

Why this API?

• Minimal APIs → tiny overhead, big performance.
• Base62 encoding → short, URL-safe codes that look clean and professional.
• Redis caching → instant redirects and drastically fewer DB round-trips.
• Built-in analytics → log IP, User-Agent, Referrer for every click.
• Docker-ready → run anywhere in minutes.
• FluentValidation → strict URL & custom-code rules out of the box.
• Swagger/OpenAPI → explore & test endpoints instantly.
• Swappable storage → start with SQLite, switch to PostgreSQL/SQL Server when you need it.
• MIT License → use it in personal, commercial, or educational projects.

Perfect for

• Developers embedding a reliable short-link service into existing apps.
• Engineering teams managing internal knowledge, campaigns, or partner links.
• Startups launching a SaaS with click-tracking and clean, maintainable code.

What’s inside

• Full source code with Domain / Application / Infrastructure / API layers
• CQRS with clear command/query boundaries
• Base62 generator + validation rules
• Click logging (IP, user-agent, referrer)
• Dockerfile + ready-to-run compose
• appsettings examples for SQLite/PostgreSQL/SQL Server
• Swagger/OpenAPI docs

Tech stack

.NET 9, Minimal APIs, CQRS, Clean Architecture, EF Core, Redis, FluentValidation, Swagger/OpenAPI, Docker.

Requirements

• .NET 9 SDK
• Docker (optional but recommended)
• Redis (for caching)
• SQLite/PostgreSQL/SQL Server (pick your flavor)

FAQ

Can I change the database later?
Yes. Start with SQLite for speed; move to PostgreSQL or SQL Server with minor config changes.

Does it track unique users?
You get raw signals (IP, user-agent, referrer). You can extend with your own unique-user logic or analytics pipeline.

Is it production-ready?
Yes—clean layering, validation, caching, Dockerization, and MIT licensing. Add your infra (HTTPS, reverse proxy, observability) and deploy.

License
MIT—commercial use allowed.