The Howdy Glossary

nginx is a high-performance web server, reverse proxy, and application framework created by Igor Sysoev in 2004 to address the C10k problem of efficiently handling ten thousand concurrent connections. Known for its efficiency in managing concurrent connections with low memory usage, it has become widely used for optimizing websites under heavy traffic or denial-of-service attacks. nginx stands out due to its ability to serve static content efficiently and compatibility with other servers like Apache HTTP Server and Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS).

The core design of nginx prioritizes speed, efficiency, and the capability to manage heavy traffic loads while consuming minimal resources. Its versatility includes roles as a reverse proxy and load balancer, enabling effective distribution of incoming traffic for optimized performance and reliability. The modular architecture allows seamless integration with various servers and enhances overall web server performance through caching and media streaming capabilities. These features have made nginx popular among developers and system administrators worldwide for maintaining optimal performance levels in increasingly demanding web architectures.

Nginx competes with other web server solutions like Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft IIS, LiteSpeed Web Server, Caddy, and Cherokee. While Apache offers configuration flexibility and extensive module support, Nginx’s lightweight design excels in serving static content under heavy loads. In Windows-centric environments, IIS leverages its integration with Windows Server technologies but often competes closely with Nginx's efficient handling of concurrent connections. Nginx's exceptional performance characteristics make it well-suited for high-traffic websites requiring scalable solutions that ensure reliable service delivery across diverse hosting scenarios.