What are Proxy, Forward Proxy, Reverse Proxy, and Load Balancers?

Proxy

A proxy acts as an intermediary between a client and the internet. It forwards requests from the client to a target server and can modify or filter these requests based on predefined rules. Proxies are commonly used for anonymity, security, or access control.

Example: A company proxy server monitors employee internet traffic and blocks access to specific websites.🫡

Forward Proxy

A forward proxy is a type of proxy that sits between the client and the server. It is primarily used by clients to access resources outside their network, often bypassing restrictions or hiding their identity. Forward proxies are common in corporate environments or for accessing region-restricted content.


Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy is placed in front of servers to handle incoming client requests. It routes traffic to the appropriate backend server, provides caching for faster performance, and adds security features such as hiding the server's IP address or handling HTTPS termination.

Example: NGINX configured as a reverse proxy for a web application to distribute requests and serve cached static assets.


Can I Create One for My Apps?

Yes, you can build your own proxy or load balancer! By creating a customized solution, you can add extra features like authentication, request filtering, caching, or logging. For instance, you can build a reverse proxy using tools like Golang or Python or Node .., then containerize it with Docker for easy deployment. With this approach, you can tailor it to fit your application's specific needs while maintaining complete control.

As always .................. One step forward. 🫡

https://t.me/Thunder_Script