AKAkki
Back to all projects
API & BackendClient: Internal / Product • 2024

Slimify

High-throughput URL shortener, link analytics engine, and QR synthesis API

Slimify
My Role

Backend Engineer

Timeline

2024

Platform

API & Backend

Status

Production

The Operational Problem

Marketing campaigns and transactional SMS workflows required a redirection service capable of sub-50ms redirect speeds without incurring exorbitant SaaS tier pricing as monthly click volumes scaled into millions.

Engineering Approach

Engineered an aggressive Redis caching layer in front of a PostgreSQL relational database. Active short codes resolve directly from memory, while click events are asynchronously ingested into a background buffer to prevent database lock contention.

Architecture & Code

Key Implementation Decisions

01.

In-Memory Edge Redirection

Utilized Redis key-value lookups with LRU cache eviction to deliver link redirects with an average server response time under 15ms.

02.

Asynchronous Click Ingestion

Decoupled redirect response from click logging using an in-memory queue that flushes batched analytics records to PostgreSQL every 5 seconds.

03.

SVG & PNG QR Code Generation

Built an on-demand API endpoint that generates vector QR codes with customizable color schemes, error-correction levels, and embedded logos.

Architecture & System Highlights

High-concurrency Node.js architecture with zero blocking database queries on redirect path
Rate-limiting middleware protecting creation endpoints against abusive link generation
Dockerized container setup for portable deployment on Linux VPS instances

Verified Outcomes & Impact

  • Handled over 500 requests per second in load testing with zero dropped connections
  • Achieved average redirect turnaround under 18ms

Technologies & Libraries

Node.jsExpress.jsRedisPostgreSQLPrisma ORMDockerREST API

Related Projects

Need a similar application engineered for your business?

Let's evaluate your current operational workflows and design a system tailored to your exact requirements.