Build Your Own URL Validator Tool

A step-by-step checklist to create a site map scraper and URL validator.

By Casey Builds It · YouTube Video oO3DiHIk56s

1. Understanding the Tool's Purpose

Grasp the core functionality and benefits of the URL validation tool.

• Identify the need for checking multiple URLs on a website.
• Understand how to pull URLs directly from a website's sitemap.
• Learn to validate a list of URLs automatically.
• Recognize the benefits for developers, SEO professionals, and site managers.
• Appreciate the tool's ability to catch broken links and verify redirects.

2. Setting Up the Core Functionality

Begin building the foundational elements of the tool.

• Implement a feature to parse a sitemap URL.
• Develop the logic to extract all URLs from a given sitemap.
• Create an interface to input or load a list of URLs.
• Allow users to load custom URL lists from a file.
• Integrate a button or trigger to start the validation process.

3. Implementing URL Validation

Build the mechanism for checking the status of each URL.

• Develop the 'Validate All' function.
• Write code to check each URL in the loaded list.
• Implement logic to identify working URLs.
• Implement logic to identify broken URLs.
• Add functionality to detect and flag redirects.
• Ensure the validation process runs automatically for all URLs.

4. Handling Results and Output

Focus on how to present and export the validation findings.

• Display the validation status for each URL.
• Develop a mechanism to flag issues clearly.
• Implement an export feature for the validation results.
• Allow exporting results in a format suitable for reporting.
• Allow exporting results for auditing purposes.
• Allow exporting results for cleanup tasks.

5. User Interface and Experience

Consider how users will interact with the tool.

• Design an intuitive interface for pasting sitemap URLs.
• Ensure a clear 'Parse' button is available.
• Provide a straightforward way to load URL lists.
• Make the 'Validate All' button prominent.
• Visually indicate the progress of the validation.
• Ensure results are easy to read and understand.

6. Code and Development Process

Reflect on the coding aspects and development approach.

• Follow a real process for building the tool.
• Write and review the actual code used.
• Focus on practical implementation.
• Ensure the code is efficient for handling many URLs.
• Consider automation possibilities within the code.

7. Post-Build Actions and Engagement

Engage with the community and consider future improvements.

• Watch the full validation and export process demonstration.
• Consider liking the video if found useful.
• Subscribe to the channel for more build projects.
• Leave a comment requesting the tool be open-sourced.
• Suggest specific features to be added to the tool.

Build a tool to automate URL validation and sitemap parsing.