Execute on a simple idea: building LinkDisguiser.com
Introduction
LinkDisguiser.com is a project I built to explore the capabilities of Azure Table Storage while solving a practical problem—creating a scalable and cost-efficient way to manage and disguise links. This post will walk through the inspiration behind the project, the technical decisions involved, the challenges faced, and the future enhancements I have planned.
The Inspiration Behind LinkDisguiser.com
I wanted to build a project that leveraged the power of Azure Table Storage to handle large-scale data efficiently while remaining cost-effective. The challenge was to design a system that could store and retrieve short links quickly using partitionKey and rowKey, taking advantage of Azure's highly optimized querying. This project was an opportunity to apply and test what I had learned about scalable, cloud-based storage solutions in a real-world application. A similar approach is used by sites like haveibeenpwned, which also rely on fast, partitioned lookups to deliver high-performance data access at scale.
Technical Decisions and Architecture
The backbone of LinkDisguiser.com is Azure Table Storage, which is used to store link redirects and tracking data. This choice was driven by its low cost, scalability, and fast access when queries are optimized around the partitionKey and rowKey structure. These keys allow efficient, targeted lookups that help the system scale with minimal performance trade-offs.
In addition to Azure Table Storage, the architecture includes a minimal C# API that powers the short domain lkdr.xyz, hosted via Azure App Service. This API is responsible for processing and redirecting shortened links. The main frontend site, linkdisguiser.com, is hosted as an Azure Static Web App, which keeps the overall hosting cost low and simplifies deployment. This combination of services results in a fast, inexpensive solution with very little code to maintain.
The redirection mechanism under the hood is simple and lightweight. When a shortened link is accessed via lkdr.xyz, the C# API queries Azure Table Storage using the optimized keys, finds the target URL, and performs the redirect. This lean setup is highly effective without requiring a heavy backend or database infrastructure.
Future Enhancements
Looking ahead, several new features are planned to make LinkDisguiser.com more powerful and user-friendly. One major addition will be link performance tracking, allowing users to see how often their links are clicked and from which locations. This will provide valuable insight into engagement and reach.
Another upcoming feature is QR code generation for each shortened link, making it easier to share links in physical or visual formats like flyers, presentations, or signage.
Additionally, I'm considering introducing paid support plans for users who want enhanced features, priority assistance, or usage at higher volumes. These enhancements aim to balance usability, scalability, and sustainability as the project grows.
Final Thoughts
Building LinkDisguiser.com has been a rewarding experience, combining practical problem-solving with the exploration of scalable cloud technologies. It's a reminder that even simple tools can have impact when built thoughtfully. I hope this project encourages others to start small, experiment, and learn through building. If you have ideas, feedback, or feature requests, I'd love to hear from you.