Reverse vs Forward Proxy: What's the Key Difference and When to Use Each? Alternatively, for a more direct a

The reverse vs forward proxy debate boils down to *direction*.

Forward = outbound (client-side).
Reverse = inbound (server-side).

For a website, a reverse proxy (Nginx, Apache) is essential—especially for SSL termination and caching.

Forward proxy? Meh, unless you're evading filters.