Hosting Your Own Bit.ly Server Using Shlink on Linux

Step 1: Install Docker

Create the file for Docker repository by executing the following command:

echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list

Then, update the system’s repository list with:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Dependencies for Shlink

With Docker ready, install necessary dependencies for Shlink by running:

sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Ensure the “core” snap package is installed:

sudo snap install core

Install the “certbot” snap from the Electronic Frontier Foundation:

sudo snap install --classic certbot

Step 3: Obtain a Geolite2 License Key

Shlink’s unique feature includes tracking click locations. Head to the Geolite2 Licensing Sign Up page.

Complete the signup form and check your email for confirmation from MaxMind. Follow the link to set your password, then log in to manage your licenses.

Click Manage License Keys and generate a new key, then copy it for later use.

Step 1: Set Up a Docker Network

First, create a virtual Docker network. This helps containers communicate privately:

docker network create shlink_network

Step 2: Link PostgreSQL Database

Next, deploy PostgreSQL and connect it to your new virtual network:

docker run --name shlink-postgres --network shlink_network -e POSTGRES_PASSWORD=yourpassword -d postgres

Change yourpassword to a secure password.

Step 3: Install Shlink

Run the following command to install Shlink:

docker run -d --name shlink --network shlink_network -e SHLINK_DB_DRIVER=pgsql -e SHLINK_DB_USER=postgres -e SHLINK_DB_PASSWORD=yourpassword -e SHLINK_DB_NAME=shlink -e SHLINK_DEFAULT_DOMAIN=yourdomain.com shlinkio/shlink

Make sure to replace all placeholders with your actual values.

Step 4: Link Your Shlink Interface

Now, obtain your API key from the running container:

docker exec shlink-api shlink api:configure

Confirm everything is running correctly with:

docker ps

Step 1: Create a DNS A Record

Set up your DNS records. Point the frontend A record to your server:

admin.yourdomain.com

Step 2: Configure Nginx

Open your Nginx configuration file and add:

server { listen 80; server_name admin.yourdomain.com; location / { proxy_pass http://shlink:8080; } }

Enable the site and reload the Nginx service:

sudo systemctl enable nginx && sudo systemctl restart nginx

Step 1: Create a Short URL

Input your long URL, provide metadata, and click Save to generate your short link.

Step 2: Test the Short URL

Open the newly created short URL in your browser and check its performance on the dashboard.

Additional Tips

• Always verify your server’s settings after making changes.
• Consider enhancing security with firewalls specific to your applications.
• Regularly back up your Shlink database to prevent loss of data.

Summary

This guide presented steps to install and operate your Shlink instance on Ubuntu Linux, leveraging Docker and Nginx for optimal performance and security. Setting up an SSL proxy is critical for user privacy and establishing trust with your short links.

Conclusion

With Shlink, you can reclaim control over your link shortening needs while also enhancing your online privacy. Now that you have set up your own service, explore the versatile features Shlink offers, and customize it further to meet your individual requirements.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Further Resources

For additional information on managing your server and enhancing online privacy, consider checking out the following resources:

• Shlink Community Forum for Troubleshooting
• Official Docker Documentation
• Nginx Documentation for SSL Configuration

What is Shlink?

Can I install Shlink on a non-Ubuntu Linux distribution?