I want to install a URL shortener on a cloud VM for personal usage so that it will be very low volume. I have a few simple requirements:
- Runs in Docker
- As light resource usage as possible
- It must have authentication to prevent randos from using it
- It must be able to generate QR codes
- Modern and attractive experience ← subjective, I know
I have compiled the following options and pros and cons. Do you agree with this list and the pros and cons? Which do you think I should go with and why?
Kutt: Last release on Github: 2/22, 7,700 stars
Pros: Recommended here, fully featured, including authentication and QR codes
Cons: Heavy (3 containers), not recently updated
Yourls: Latest release on Github: 3/23, 9,700 stars
Pros: Recommended here, recent update, no native QR codes (but available via plugins), Lighter (2 containers)
Cons: PHP-based, less modern than Kutt, having to deal with plugins
Shlink: Latest release on Github: 9/23, 2,300 stars
Pros: Modern and attractive GUI, lighter (2 containers), bult-in QR codes, frequent updates
Cons: No authentication, Confusing and difficult install, separate front end and back end
Lynx: Latest release on Github: 8/23, 96 stars
Pros: Lighter (2 containers), native QR codes, authentication, frequent updates
Cons: Unclear experience – looks less modern on Github screenshot
Microbin
I am a fan of Microbin and didn’t realize that it offered this. However, I am struggling with enabling authentication while keeping the ability to provide public pastas.