URL Unshortening

URL unshortening is the process of restoring a shortened Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to its original length:

Explanation

URL shortening is a technique that uses a redirect to link a short URL to a long URL.

Purpose

URL shortening can make URLs easier to remember, more user-friendly, and more aesthetically pleasing. It can also help with marketing, brand creation, and tracking clicks.

Risks

However, there are some security risks associated with URL shortening services. Some precautions to take include:

• Only clicking on shortened links from trusted sources
• Being cautious when clicking on links in emails or social media posts
• Hovering over the link to see where it leads before clicking on it

Using Online Tools: There are several online services that can unshorten URLs. You simply paste the shortened URL into the tool, and it will display the full, original URL. Examples include Toolsinu, IPLocation, Unshorten.me, and VirusTotal.

Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions can automatically unshorten URLs when you hover over them, providing a quick way to see the full link without leaving the page.

Manual Methods: You can manually check the destination by copying the shortened URL and pasting it into a URL unshortening service or using command-line tools like curl to follow the redirects.