NGINX Basics

Location for all configuration files:

• nginx.conf
  • Virtual host configuration files:
    • conf.d directory (RHEL)
    • sites-available directory (debian/ubuntu)
    • sites-enabled directory (debian/ubuntu)
  • Module configuration files:
    • conf.d directory
    • modules-available directory
    • modules-enabled directory

The nginx.conf file:

Defines global configuration

Server process configuration:

• User server runs as
• Location of PID file

Performance:

• worker_processes
• worker_connections

Location(s) of module and virtual host configuration files (via include)

How to check the NGINX configuration:

Use nginx -t before every reload!

Reloading the NGINX Configuration:

• Using systemctl:
  • Reload - Doesn’t drop existing connections
  • Restart - Drops existing connections
• Using NGINX - nginx -s:
  • Validates the configuration before restarting

The safe bet is to execute nginx -t before a reload or restart!