A link shortener is a tool that condenses a long URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into a shorter, more manageable form. This shorter URL, often called a "short link," can be more easily shared, especially on social media platforms or in messaging apps where there may be character limits. When someone clicks on a short link, they are redirected to the original, longer URL.

Link shorteners can be useful for a variety of purposes. For example, they can help you save space when sharing a link on a platform with a character limit, such as Twitter. They can also help you obscure the original link, making it harder for someone to see where the link is taking them. This can be useful if you want to share a link but don't want it to be immediately obvious where the link leads.

There are many link shortening services available online, such as Bit.ly and TinyURL. Some of these services offer additional features, such as the ability to customize the short link, track clicks on the link, and set expiration dates for the link.