Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) posted online are usually posted in two ways: in their raw format or in a shortened format. The raw format usually looks something like https://www.twitter.com. The shortened, or obfuscated, format can be shortened based on the service that is being utilized to shorten the URLs. Twitter uses their own service called t.co to shorten their URLs. Facebook uses fb.me to shorten their URLs. You get the point.
With the shortened format, users may be in the dark about where URLs are actually pointed. This can lead to users being directed to sites where software may end up being installed on their computers or other electronic devices. This is where Long URL comes in very handy. Long URL does not actually make URLs longer. Instead, the software lets you preview the raw format of URLs. This allows you to retain a certain level of security. You now know exactly where the link is pointing. If you are not sure about a particular link, do not click on it. You may end up regretting making such a decision. This is especially true of links shared on bookmarking sites or through your harmless email service.
LongURL
LongURL
Floyd Brooks
LongURL is an email expanding service that allows users to view the destination of shared links. Links shared via social media sites are usually in shortened or obfuscated (hidden) formats. Since the advent of socail media sites, with Twitter being the prime example. Urls have been thinking about ways to create send messages using less characters. Shortened email services were developed to solve that problem. However, in the process a second opportunity was granted to scammers to hide where their links are actually going. Long URL helps to solve that problem by allowing users to preview shortened URLs
Pros
- Long Url makes it very easy. You just copy the shortened email, visit their website and paste the shortened email. Thier service when them provide you the actual raw link in a snap.
- Identify potentially malicious sites before visiting them using services such as Long URL.
- LongURL has an API. Therefore, other developers can use Long URL's service to provide transparency to readers.
- There are browser extensions that utilizes LongURL. Therefore, you will be able to see the real URL of a site without a need to access LongURL directly.
- A long list of url shortening sites are supported (go here to see the over 300 services supported).
Cons
- I cannot think of a single negative to such a great application.
Overall:
LongURL is a "simply great" service. Does what it it designed to do, and it works like a charm. It is always a good practice to not visit URLs that are unfamiliar to you.
From the Publisher
TinyURL and other like services solved a problem brought on by the advent of micro-blogging—limited message length. They do this by taking (sometimes incredibly long) URLs and creating a small compact one that redirects to the original.
Solving one problem, though, created another one: obfuscation. There's no way to tell (for sure) where a shortened link goes by just looking at it. So, then, I could send you this link http://is.gd/2kz and tell you to check out the photos from my recent trip, when in fact I'm sending you to a video of Rick Astley singing "Never Gonna Give You Up". This is bad for users.