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Forward Proxy vs Reverse Proxy vs CONNECT Tunnel

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Proxies: intermediaries that speak on your behalf

A proxy sits between client and server, making requests on one party's behalf. The forward proxy acts on behalf of clients (the client sends requests to the proxy). The reverse proxy acts on behalf of servers (clients think they're talking directly to the origin).

Both are HTTP-level intermediaries, but they serve completely different purposes and are configured differently.

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