Create Short URLs for the AsyncAPI Website

Introduction

Short URLs make it easier for users to access commonly shared AsyncAPI resources (e.g., asyncapi.com/slack instead of long invite links). To avoid conflicts with existing routes (like /docs, /community, etc.), all short URLs must use the /s/ path prefix. These short links are powered by Netlify server-side redirects using the _redirects file, ensuring fast, reliable, and CDN-level redirection.

The _redirects file already exists in the AsyncAPI website repository under public/_redirects.

Understanding the _redirects file

The _redirects file is a plain text file that defines redirect rules for the AsyncAPI website. Netlify uses this file during deployment and applies the redirects at the CDN (edge) level, meaning the redirect occurs before the page loads, ensuring high performance and a better user experience.

File Location

For the AsyncAPI website, the _redirects file is located at:

public/_redirects

How Redirects Are Processed

Netlify reads the _redirects file top to bottom, and applies the first matching rule. Because of this, the order of rules matters.

Defining a Short URL Rule

Each short URL must begin with /s/ to ensure there is no conflict with existing site paths. Write each redirect rule on a single line, with space-separated values:

/s/short-path   https://destination.url   status

Which Status Code to Use?

• 301 (Permanent): Use when the short link is intended to remain unchanged.
• 302 (Temporary): Use when the short link may change in the future.

Examples

1/s/slack-invite   https://asyncapi.com/slack   302
2/s/modelina       /tools/modelina              301
3/s/github         https://github.com/asyncapi  301

Steps to Add a New Short URL

Follow these steps to add a new redirect rule for the AsyncAPI website:

Step 1: Open the _redirects file

Navigate to the public/_redirects file in the AsyncAPI website repository.

Step 2: Add your redirect rule

Add a new redirect rule on a separate line.
You may include a comment above the rule for clarity:

1# Permanent redirect to the main Studio app
2/s/studio   https://studio.asyncapi.com/   301

Step 3: Commit and create a Pull Request

• Commit the updated _redirects file to your branch.
• Push your changes to GitHub.
• Raise a Pull Request.
• Deploy Preview will be generated for the PR use it to validate your redirect.

Step 4: Document the change in the PR

In your PR description, mention:

• The added short URL path
• Destination URL
• Why the short link was needed

This ensures reviewers understand the context and purpose of the redirect.

By following this guide, you help maintain consistency and improve navigation for the AsyncAPI community through clean, memorable short URLs using the /s/ path.