Blazingly Fast Rust Hackathon

# 🚀 Rust Challenge: Build a Blazingly Fast URL Shortener

Join us for an exciting 72-hour coding challenge where you'll build a high-performance URL shortener using Rust! Whether you're an experienced Rustacean or looking to level up your systems programming skills, this is your chance to create something awesome.

## 📅 Important Dates

• Challenge Start: January 31, 2025, 15:00 UTC
• Submission Deadline: February 3, 2025, 12:00 UTC
• Winners Announced: February 21, 2025, 18:00 UTC

## 🎯 The Challenge

Create a lightning-fast URL shortener that showcases modern Rust capabilities and smart system design. You'll build the core shortener functionality plus choose ONE bonus feature to implement:

### Core Requirements

• URL shortening functionality
• Redirect handling
• Data persistence
• Comprehensive error handling
• Interface (choose ONE): HTTP API, CLI, or web form

### Bonus Features (Pick ONE)

1. Custom URL Aliases: Enable users to create personalized short URLs
2. Expiration System: Implement URL expiry by date or usage count
3. QR Code Generation: Auto-generate QR codes for shortened URLs
4. API Access: Design and implement a RESTful API
5. Data Encryption: Add secure URL storage and handling

## 🛠 Technical Focus

### Modern Rust Development

• Idiomatic Rust patterns and practices
• Robust error handling
• Strategic use of concurrency
• Clean, maintainable code

### System Design

• Modular architecture
• Efficient resource management
• Scalable design patterns

## 🎤 Presentation Format (5-7 minutes)

You'll present your solution covering:

• Architecture overview
• Key Rust implementation details
• Technical decisions and trade-offs
• Live demonstration
• Bonus feature showcase
• Performance metrics

## 📊 Judging Criteria

• Quality of Rust implementation
• Technical design decisions
• Working demonstration
• Feature integration
• Real-world performance
• Creative approach

## 💡 What Not to Focus On

• Complex UI/UX
• Extensive documentation
• Complete test coverage
• Production deployment
• Multiple interfaces

## 👥 Who Should Attend

• Rust developers (all skill levels)
• Systems programmers
• Backend engineers
• Performance enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in URL shortener architecture

## 🎁 What to Bring

• Your laptop
• Rust development environment
• Enthusiasm for systems programming
• Creative problem-solving mindset

Join us for this exciting challenge where you'll push your Rust skills to the limit while building a practical, high-performance system! Network with fellow Rustaceans and share your unique approach to URL shortening.

Space is limited - RSVP now to secure your spot!

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