Overview

Shortens long URLs by calling TinyURL or Bitly. It uses curl and requires no installation, only an optional BITLY_TOKEN to switch to Bitly. If BITLY_TOKEN is not set, it falls back to TinyURL.

How This Skill Works

Accepts a URL argument and performs a curl request to the chosen API. If BITLY_TOKEN is provided, it uses Bitly's API; otherwise it calls TinyURL's API. The command outputs the shortened URL returned by the API.

When to Use It

• Share long URLs in social posts or chats by shortening them.
• Enable Bitly-based analytics by setting BITLY_TOKEN to use Bitly API.
• Use in any environment where curl is available and no extra tools are needed.
• Include shorter links in marketing emails or docs to improve readability.
• Prepare campaign links and reuse short URLs across channels.

Quick Start

1. Step 1: Ensure curl is available on your system.
2. Step 2: (Optional) export BITLY_TOKEN=your_bitly_token to enable Bitly.
3. Step 3: Run url-shorten "https://example.com/very/long/path" and use the output.

Best Practices

• Prefer Bitly when BITLY_TOKEN is set to gain tracking and customization.
• Validate the API response and extract the shortened URL safely.
• Avoid exposing API tokens in logs or error messages.
• Test a shortened URL before publishing to ensure it redirects properly.
• If no token is configured, rely on TinyURL as a reliable fallback.

Example Use Cases

• url-shorten "https://example.com/very/long/path/to/resource"
• url-shorten "https://shop.example.com/products/2024/release/limited-edition"
• Set BITLY_TOKEN=yourtoken && url-shorten "https://example.com/campaign/landing-page"
• Shorten a link for a tweet or chat: url-shorten "https://example.com/long-url"
• Create a short link to place in a printed flyer or QR code: url-shorten "https://example.com/offer"

Frequently Asked Questions