Added URL shortener blog

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+---
+layout: post
+title: Add a URL shortener function to your application
+description: Learning how to add the URL shortener function template to your application.
+cover: /images/blog/adding-url-shortener/Add-a-URL-Shortener-to-your-Application-with-Functions.png
+timeToRead: 5
+date: 2023-11-08
+author: haimantika-mitra
+category: functions
+featured: false
+---
+As a part of Appwrite 1.4, one of the new features we have introduced to Appwrite Functions is Function Templates. Function templates are pre-built Appwrite Functions that can be integrated into your Appwrite project with just a few clicks. Using them, you can easily incorporate new features and integrations into your app without writing additional code or managing infrastructure.
+
+A URL shortener takes a long or complex URL and generates a shorter, more concise version. The primary purpose of a URL shortener function is to make links easier to share, manage, and remember.
+For e.g https://dev.to/appwrite/introducing-appwrite-migrations-effortless-data-migration-from-your-platforms-5dhh to http://tinyurl.com/bd5usb3n 
+
+In this blog, we’ll learn to build a URL shortener using Appwrite Functions template. The template benefits from the built-in scalability, reliability, and security of Appwrite Functions.
+
+You can find the source code on our [templates GitHub repository](https://github.com/appwrite/templates/tree/main/node/url-shortener).
+
+# Setting up the Template
+To get started, you need to navigate to the functions page on the **[Appwrite](https://appwrite.io/cloud)** console. From there, we will select the **Templates** tab, search for and select the **URL Shortener** function template.
+
+/images/blog/adding-url-shortener/functions.png
+
+The function requires two variables:
+- APPWRITE_API_KEY
+- SHORT_BASE_URL
+
+/images/blog/adding-url-shortener/variables.png
+
+Once you have populated those, you can go straight to the **Connect** step.
+
+/images/blog/adding-url-shortener/connect.png
+
+Select **Create a new repository** (this will generate a GitHub repository for you with the function), and leave the production branch and root settings as default to create this function.
+
+# Using the Function
+
+Visit the **Domains** tab on the function page and copy the domain URL to test the function.
+
+/images/blog/adding-url-shortener/URL-shortener.png
+
+Go to the function URL in your web browser, and you'll see a short url like the one shown below.
+
+# Next Steps
+
+URL shorteners often offer additional features such as tracking click-through rates, providing analytics on link usage, and allowing users to customize the shortened URL to some extent.This Function Template can be extended to perform a lot of functionalities. Some examples are:
+
+1. **Link Analytics and Tracking:** Enhance the URL shortener to track click-through rates, geographical location of users, referral sources, and other analytics data. This could provide valuable insights into the popularity and effectiveness of shared links.
+2. **Link Management Dashboard:** Create a user-friendly dashboard where users can manage their shortened links, view statistics, and perform various actions on their links.
+
+Be sure to check out the other available Function Templates. We’ve created many that could be of use in your projects. You can find the [templates GitHub repository here](https://github.com/appwrite/templates).
+
+For more information about Appwrite and Appwrite Functions:
+
+1. **[Appwrite Function Docs](https://appwrite.io/docs/functions)**: These documents provide more information on how to use Appwrite Functions.
+2. **[Functions Announcement](https://dev.to/appwrite/serverless-your-way-unleashing-appwrite-functions-true-potential-2l4f)**: Read the full announcement on Functions 1.4.
+3. **[Appwrite Discord](https://discord.com/invite/appwrite)**: Connect with other developers and the Appwrite team for discussion, questions, and collaboration.