Reverse vs. Forward Proxy: What's the Key Difference and When to Use Each? or Reverse vs. Forward Pro

Reverse vs. forward proxy is like the difference between a disguise and a bodyguard.

Forward proxy disguises *you* (the client). Reverse proxy protects *your server* from direct exposure.

In a home lab, a reverse proxy is golden for managing services. I use Traefik because it auto-discovers containers and handles SSL. Forward proxy? Only if you're paranoid about hiding your tracks.