How To Use Go Links

How To Use Go Links

Go Links is an internal URL-shortening service at Netflix that makes it easy to navigate to internal services, documentation, and other destinations with complex URLs. When creating a shortened URL, you can choose a meaningful custom alias and associate it with your team’s Google Group for management. This software is available for full-time employees (FTEs), contingent talent, Animation, VFX, and Games employees.

For most internal uses, Go Links should be used instead of external or public shortening services to avoid information leaks. For example, page titles as part of Confluence links might include sensitive information that should not be publicized, or URL parameters may contain sensitive information.

Quick Start 

In your internet browser’s address bar, type:

go/your-alias

For example, to go to Netflix search:

go/search

If your browser leads you instead to Google search results for go/search, we’ll need to teach your browser about our magic Go domain:

1. Open http://go in your web browser.
   1. The browser should resolve to the Go Alias Configuration page.
   2. If yes, then you’re good to go. You may now use go/<alias>. 
2. If not, try enabling VPN and restarting Chrome. Repeat step 1.
3. If you continue to have issues, contact us through the #ntech-help Slack channel.

If the Go links are still not working despite checking steps 1 and 2, try removing and reinstalling the Netflix Go Link Assistant.

Install the Netflix Go Link Assistant 

The Netflix Go Link Assistant is a Chrome extension that serves as a critical backup system for Go links. It maintains a local cache of all Go link aliases, ensuring you can still access your important links even when the Go service is unavailable.

Key Features#

• Offline access: Provides access to your Go links even when the main service is down
• Automatic sync: Regularly updates its cache with the latest aliases
• Fallback mode: Uses https://gobackup/alias format to access cached links
• Zero configuration: Works automatically after installation

Usage#

1. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. The extension will automatically sync Go link data in the background.
3. Use Go links normally (go/alias).
4. If Go ever goes down, prefix your alias with https://gobackup/.

Example:

# Normal usage

go/search

# When Go is down

https://gobackup/search

Common Questions 

• Creating links: Visit go/go and select the Add New button to create a new alias. You’ll need to associate it with a Google Group.
• Finding links: Browse the table at go/go to search and discover existing aliases. Use the Clicks column to sort by popularity.
• Managing links: Select the ellipsis button on the alias you wish to modify and select Edit Alias. For links that your team owns, you may edit or delete them yourself. For links you don’t own, selecting Update will instead trigger a flow where an automated Slack message is sent for approval on your behalf.

Support 

For support, contact the #ntech-help Slack channel.

Note: Contingent workers might need their manager to request access to Slack channels on their behalf.

For further details, reference the Workforce Applications and Software Engineering (WASE) Go Links guide.