A shortened URL, also known as a link shortener, is a condensed version of a full URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that redirects to the original webpage. This abbreviated link is created by replacing the long and complex string of characters in a URL with a shorter, more manageable one. Shortened URLs are commonly used for sharing links on social media platforms, in emails, and in other online communications, as they are easier to remember and take up less space. They also provide a way to track clicks and gather analytics on the performance of a link. While shortened URLs can be convenient, they can also be used for malicious purposes, so it is important to use them from trusted sources.