I've just started to work on a totally new software project. I've been itching for something new, and I figured I'd get back to learning Python by building a Django x React app. I'll be building out "Lilliput.ly" (literature nerds will catch the reference!), an open-source URL shortener. Ultimately URL shorteners aren't too difficult to implement, but interesting enough with real world utility. It also gives me a chance to flex some design skills and get more hands on work with MongoDB. I think a lot of URL shorteners can "look sketchy" so I also want to find a way to solve that while ensuring user safety as much as I can.