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Nginx logo: Open-source web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer used in front of most production apps.
Nginx logo: Open-source web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer used in front of most production apps.

Nginx

✓Server ToolsFree
nginx.org/
Nginx logo: Open-source web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer used in front of most production apps.

Nginx

Nginx is free. Open-source web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer used in front of most production apps.

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What is Nginx?

Nginx is free. Nginx (pronounced engine-x) is a high-performance HTTP server and reverse proxy. Teams use it to serve static files, terminate TLS, load-balance upstream apps, and cache responses. The open-source build is free; F5 also sells commercial Nginx Plus and managed options with extra features and support.

Nginx is a tool in the Server Tools category of a tech stack.

Level

BeginnerVibe coderPro

Key Features

HTTP web server and reverse proxyLoad balancing with health checksTLS termination and HTTP/2/3Static file serving and cachingLow memory use under loadFlexible config and modulesWorks great in front of app serversFree open-source and paid Plus options

Nginx Pros & Cons

Pros of Nginx

  • Free and battle-tested open source

  • Excellent reverse proxy performance

  • Huge community and examples (very popular)

  • Pairs well with Docker and VPS hosts

  • Can serve static sites on its own

Cons of Nginx

  • Config files take practice

  • You manage the server yourself

  • Advanced features need Plus or extras

  • Not a full cloud host by itself