1. What are Proxy Servers?

A proxy server is a middleman between your device (client) and the internet (server).

Instead of connecting directly to a website or API, your request first goes to the proxy. The proxy then forwards your request to the destination and sends the response back to you.

A proxy server is just a “middleman” that forwards requests. But depending on where you put it and how you configure it, it can provide privacy, security, caching, load balancing, or just simple hiding of the real server.

Think of it like:

• You → Proxy → Website
• Website → Proxy → You

2. How do Proxy Servers work?

1. Without proxy:

   You → aryancodes.dev → You
   

   Your IP address and request go directly to the site.

2. With proxy:

   You → Proxy → aryancodes.dev → Proxy → You
   

   • The website sees the proxy’s IP, not yours.
   • The proxy can filter, log, or modify the request.

3. Why are they used?

1. Privacy & Anonymity
   • Hide your real IP from websites.
   • Prevent tracking.
2. Security
   • Filter harmful traffic before it reaches you.
   • Block malicious sites.
   • Companies use them as firewalls/gateways.
3. Access Control
   • Schools/companies block social media using proxies.
   • Parents use them for parental control.
4. Bypass Geo-Restrictions
   • E.g., Netflix not available in your country → proxy with a US IP.
5. Caching & Speed
   • Proxy stores (caches) frequently accessed data (like images, scripts).
   • Next time someone requests the same resource → served faster.
6. Load Balancing
   • Distribute traffic across multiple servers to avoid overload.
7. Internal Use (like your case)
   • Hide real backend URL.
   • Protect API keys.
   • Add custom logic (logging, validation, rate-limiting).

4. Types of Proxy Servers

• Forward Proxy
  • Sits between users and the internet.
  • Used for anonymity, security, caching.