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Design a URL Shortening Service

Last updated: Apr 2, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates expertise in designing scalable, low-latency web services, covering URL alias generation and collision handling, storage and caching strategies, API design, and operational concerns like expiration, analytics, and abuse prevention.

  • medium
  • Microsoft
  • System Design
  • Software Engineer

Design a URL Shortening Service

Company: Microsoft

Role: Software Engineer

Category: System Design

Difficulty: medium

Interview Round: Onsite

Quick Answer: This question evaluates expertise in designing scalable, low-latency web services, covering URL alias generation and collision handling, storage and caching strategies, API design, and operational concerns like expiration, analytics, and abuse prevention.

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|Home/System Design/Microsoft

Design a URL Shortening Service

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Microsoft
Feb 22, 2026, 12:00 AM
mediumSoftware EngineerOnsiteSystem Design
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