HTTP Proxy
An HTTP proxy is an intermediary server that forwards HTTP requests and responses between clients and servers, enabling functions like caching, filtering, logging, and security. It acts as a gateway to control and monitor web traffic, often used to improve performance, enforce policies, or provide anonymity. Proxies can be configured at various levels, including forward proxies for client-side control and reverse proxies for server-side load balancing and protection.
Developers should use HTTP proxies for debugging web applications by inspecting and modifying traffic, testing APIs under different network conditions, and implementing security measures like content filtering or DDoS mitigation. They are essential in enterprise environments for caching static content to reduce bandwidth usage and latency, and in development workflows for simulating cross-origin requests or testing behind firewalls.