What is Reverse Proxy?
A server that sits in front of your application servers and forwards client requests to the appropriate backend.
Why It Matters
Reverse proxies add security, load balancing, and caching without changing your application code.
Real-World Example
Nginx sitting in front of your application, handling SSL termination and distributing requests across multiple app servers.
“Understanding terms like Reverse Proxy matters because it helps you have better conversations with developers and make smarter decisions about your software. You do not need to be technical. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions.”
Related Terms
Load Balancer
A system that distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent any one from being overwhelmed
CDN
A network of servers around the world that stores copies of your content closer to users
SSL/TLS
Security technology that encrypts data sent between your website and your users
API Gateway
A server that acts as a single entry point for all API requests, routing them to the appropriate backend service.
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Related Terms
SSL/TLS
Security technology that encrypts data sent between your website and your users
CDN
A network of servers around the world that stores copies of your content closer to users
Load Balancer
A system that distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent any one from being overwhelmed
API Gateway
A server that acts as a single entry point for all API requests, routing them to the appropriate backend service.
Server
A computer that runs continuously to handle requests, store data, and serve your application to users
Serverless
A way to run code without managing your own servers, where the cloud provider handles everything