NGINX: What is it?

What is Nginx?

Nginx, also known as “Enginx” or “eNGIne X”, is a software that allows you to create a web server without unnecessary complications. The program is universal, can be used as a mail or proxy server.

Nginx is a Russian development, its author is Igor Sysoev, one of the leading specialists of the Rambler company. The program appeared in 2002, and the need for its creation was due to problems with performance when increasing the server load. In 2004, the utility began to be used not only by Rambler, but also by third-party organizations, since 2011 - a company owned by Sysoev has focused on modernization and support. Now the program is presented in several versions, including paid ones, with advanced functionality.

Operating principle

The Nginx operating algorithm can be compared to a classic server, it involves receiving client requests, processing them and sending the required files, code, graphics, text, video and other things that are required to correctly display the desired page.

The difference is that Nginx operates asynchronously with an event-oriented request processing scheme. Due to this feature, the program supports multiple connections without blocking input and output. Such a description looks quite complicated, for a better understanding, you should analyze the example:

• Receipt of a client request to send a large file, for example, a video in high definition format;
• Activation of transfer;
• Release of the request processing thread. This is a key feature that allows interaction with other incoming requests;
• File transfer completion;
• Final processing of results, resumption of other operations.

The classic server operation algorithm involves blocking the processing of new requests until all operations related to input and output of data are completed, with Nginx this is excluded. Due to this feature, the server simultaneously works with many requests, which allows more efficient use of available resources, eliminates transmission delays and other problems.

Nginx copes with the functions of not only a standard server. It is possible to use the program to solve the following tasks:

• Creating proxy servers. With large volumes of incoming requests, the performance is insufficient. In such a situation, it starts proxy functions, accepts client requests, passes them to more powerful network resources that perform processing, and sends responses to the user.
• SSL and TLS termination. The program effectively interacts with both protocols, can both encrypt and decrypt information. This function allows you to implement intermediary functions, remove some of the load from the main server that the user is accessing.

Advantages

The main advantages of Nginx are as follows:

• High speed. This advantage is most pronounced when interacting with static site content that does not require regular updating. When loading a page, the Nginx server caches data, so that subsequent requests are loaded from the cache, such an operation is performed instantly.
• Universality. The program provides maximum flexibility and ease of configuration, it is easy to adapt to a specific system, regardless of the specification, scale and requirements.
• Minimal load on RAM. Nginx uses a “pool”, its own memory segment. Its volume changes automatically, in accordance with the load, which ensures speed and allows the most rational use of available resources.
• Comprehensive support. Nginx software is in demand and popular, on specialized sites, in thematic communities you can easily find answers to questions of interest, which will help to effectively solve technical problems. In addition, there is official support, and all instructions, documents are available in Russian, they do not require translation and localization.
• Adaptability. The program is available not only in paid, but also in free editions. The openness of the program code simplifies interaction, each user can customize it in full accordance with personal needs.

Compatibility with operating systems

A distinctive feature of Nginx is its multiplatform nature, it can be used in various operating environments. Most often, it is used on the following OS:

• Linux. We are talking about all platforms based on the Linux kernel, from the popular Ubuntu and Debian to Fedora.
• Unix. As in the previous case, compatibility with all Unix-like OS is ensured.
• macOS. If direct installation is not possible, the problem can be easily solved using special package managers.
• Windows. There are other solutions with similar functionality for Microsoft development, however, Nginx is a popular option with official support.

It can be used on systems not only installed directly on the computer, but also in the cloud, for example, on GCP or AWS. It can also be used on other OS, provided that suitable libraries and compilers are available.

Comparison with Apache

According to the developer, the Nginx program was supposed to become an alternative to Apache, a platform that was previously used everywhere. Practice has shown that the new software is much more successful when interacting with static website content, the load on the server is minimal, and there are no problems with performance. The advantage is especially noticeable on websites that are characterized by static content, which include product cards, business cards, blogs.

When making a comparison, you also need to consider the following factors:

• Operating environment. On Linux-like systems, the performance is approximately equal, but on Windows, Apache has a certain advantage.
• Technical support. Due to the fact that Nginx is a Russian development, it offers more advanced, qualified and prompt technical support.
• Ease of setup. Nginx is easier to set up, in the case of Apache, you have to use several OS levels at once, carefully register information for .htaccess files.
• Modularity. Apache offers more modules than Nginx.
• Support for virtual hosts. Equality, in both cases there are no problems with their configuration.

Possible errors

Configuring and using Nginx generally does not require high qualifications, even not very experienced administrators can cope with the tasks, however, sometimes failures occur. According to statistics, the following are the most common:

• 502 Bad Gateway. This notification shows a complete lack of responses from the services being served. The reason is usually banal - no connection.
• 504 Gateway Time-Out. In this case, the response comes, but the wait is too long. You need to go to the settings and increase the timeout.
• 413 Request Entire Too Large. The error appears if the downloaded files are too large. The solution is to change the settings. The base value is a megabyte, you should increase it.

Installing and configuring Nginx

During installation on a Linux-like system, you can use two technologies, a pre-built package or code. The package is a simpler method, however, the code opens up more opportunities, allows you to install auxiliary modules. However, its complexity limits its use, so the package technology is preferable. In the case of Microsoft Windows, you will have to use the Win32 API interface.

Installation on Linux from the package is activated by the command “sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install nginx”. All further settings are carried out through the “/etc/nginx/” folder, the main file of which is nginx.conf.

During the configuration process, you should pay special attention to the following parameters:

• Worker_processes – the number of worker processes used by the server. It should be identical to the number of CPU cores.
• Worker_connections – the connection limit for each process. As the parameter increases, the number of simultaneously served users increases.
• Gzip_comp_level – compression indicator. 1 – minimum compression, 10 – maximum. As a rule, the average value, 6, is enough.

For reliable interaction of Nginx with files, you need to link with the directory “/etc/nginx/sites-enabled”. Thanks to linking, you can speed up the launch of sites, after they are opened, data will not be deleted.

Summing up

Nginx is a convenient, effective solution that allows you to solve a lot of issues related to the organization of a standard or proxy server. In some respects, it surpasses Apache, requires less computing power, does not load the processor and RAM, and is capable of interacting with several connections at the same time.

The versatility of Nginx makes the program compatible with various sites, regardless of the typology and content posted. In particularly difficult situations, you can use Nginx in combination with Apache, however, in most cases, its basic capabilities are sufficient.

Author of the article:

Editor-in-Chief

Danaev Almaz