What is a Reverse Proxy and How Does It Work?

A reverse proxy sits in front of your backend servers and becomes the main point where all incoming requests arrive. Users never connect to your application servers directly because the reverse proxy handles the request first. It decides which backend should process it, whether anything needs to be filtered or modified, and whether the request should reach the application at all. Before diving into how reverse proxies work, it helps to understand what a proxy is and how the reverse version differs from it. Understanding a Proxy (Forward Proxy) A forward proxy sits between the client and the internet and makes requests on behalf of the user. Instead of the client connecting directly to a website or API, the forward proxy handles the communication. Here’s what happens when you browse through a forward proxy: Your request goes to the proxy first The proxy forwards the request to the destination The website only sees the proxy’s IP, not yours You gain anonymity or bypass access restriction