DevOps & CloudIntermediate
Reverse Proxy
Pronunciationrih-VERS PROK-see
Definition
A server in front of your app that receives requests from users and forwards them to the app. It can also handle HTTPS and caching.
Where you hear it
Nginx setups and production troubleshooting ("502 Bad Gateway").
Examples
Nginx works as a reverse proxy in front of our Node app.
The 502 error means the proxy cannot reach the app.
Common mistake
Confusing it with a forward proxy. A forward proxy sits in front of users; a reverse proxy sits in front of servers.