A reverse proxy is a server that receives requests from clients and forwards them to one or more backend servers. It hides the internal network structure, enhances security, and improves performance through caching, compression, and load distribution. Reverse proxies also handle SSL termination and route traffic based on URL paths or headers.
Why it matters
Reverse proxies protect backend services, simplify scaling, and allow blue–green or canary deployments. They reduce load on application servers and enable centralized logging, routing, and caching.
Examples
Using NGINX or HAProxy to forward /api requests to backend services. Lessons like Reverse Proxy and Load Balancing show how proxies integrate into architectures.