This tutorial will explain how to create a basic clone of the TinyURL service. If you've never heard of it, TinyURL allows you to turn long URLs into shorter links so they can be easily sent via email or other means. It might be fun to create your own personalized version that works just as well, and it's very easy to do. We'll go over the database structure, creating the required PHP script, and using mod_rewrite to make nicer URLs. Updated: Aug. 3, 2009