I read the readme but not the code yet. Since you use a database, why not just use the auto increment key as the key, ie: you could have shortened URL like https://example.com/url/123 Much of the complexity described in the readme would just disappear.

Hi there! Thanks for pointing that out!
My initial design was aiming to use MongoDB because it could be easier to do horizontal scaling. Given that the uuid generated by Mongo is at least the length of 32, which is too long for my short url. Therefore I’ve decided to create my own unique id using timestamps. I only switched to Postgres because it is the recommended DB of Phoenix and I’m curious I’ve never tried it out.

With that being said, you’re right, I sure can be using incremental IDs from Postgres. But I also think it is a good practice to not rely on DBs mechanism in my design, so my application don’t couple up with the DB.
(Who knows, it might be an over-design​)

BTW, huge thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it.

From your README:

There are many tools to choose from when it comes to memory caching, Redis is one of the no brainer that is used by many production services.

You don’t mention them, so if you’re not aware, Elixir has many built in options to handle memory stores that can be used as a cache, ets, GenServer etc. If you are aware, curious why you thought Redis was a “no brainer”

Great document by the way. Gives nice insight into your thought process which seems very thorough!

EDIT: started looking at your code and looks like you’re using ets after all?

Big oops from me!
I was originally planning on using Redis really. No much reasons though, just because I use it in my current job and it is used by a lot of companies.
Anyway, I googled my way through the process of developing the project, and discovered ETS unintentionally. Being a half-hearted man, I quickly decided to try it out without remembering to update my design XD

Thanks for the reminder! I will do some more research til I can explain clearly why to choose ETS, and update the README ASAP!

BTW thanks for the compliment on my documentary. As a non-native speaker, I’m still seeking ways to improve my English especially in writing, so your noticing really means a lot to me

Ha, isn’t that the fun part though?

Regarding scaling, you may find this url shortener scaling example handy (still in draft from and completely unfinished from several years ago). It goes over 3 different possible designs. Anyway, I’m not much of a writer, so I never quite finished it. Nor how to build a CDN, a web server, a storage layer, etc.

image733×545 59.7 KB

I personally think the most interesting parts are:

• Section 3.4.2 - shows the limits of an external system due to memory speeds
• Section 3.5.2 - on generating a better uuid is useful as it generates a sortable id that is better than a general uuid.

First time sharing anywhere, so if it’s handy, let me know and maybe I’ll clean it up some.

I can assure you your English is excellent

I think something might be getting lost in translation here though

Awesome! thanks for sharing. I will definitely check it out!

I was trying to describe my state of indecisiveness and wavering when it comes to picking a tool. Like I tend to change my mind when I see something cool LOL

I thought I’ve seen someone us the term half-hearted , but nevermind it

I thought I’ve seen someone us the term half-hearted

Oh for sure, but in English the phrase means almost the opposite of what it sounds like you’re trying to say. Rather than changing your mind because you’re too excited by everything being “half-hearted”, and especially as a general characteristic (“half-hearted man”) implies a lack of enthusiasm in general. Think of an employee doing a task they really don’t want to do, or a person on a date with someone they don’t like that much. Curious if there’s a word you’re translating, because there’s not really a good single word or phrase in English for indecisiveness due to too much enthusiasm. Capricious? Fickle? Not quite… Language is amazing!