What's the difference between nginx forward proxy and reverse proxy? Which one should I use? Alternatively,

Dude, reverse proxy is like a bouncer for your servers—only lets in legit traffic and spreads the load. Forward proxy is more like a disguise for your clients.

For a web app, reverse proxy is essential. Forward proxy? Only if you’re doing something sneaky or corporate.

Play with both in a lab—it’ll click. Nginx’s docs are dry but helpful.