The Nginx configuration file has a hierarchical structure and is organized into various blocks and directives. Here's an overview of the key components of the Nginx configuration file structure:
The "http" directive:
In Nginx, the http directive is a top-level configuration block that encompasses settings related to the HTTP protocol. It is a fundamental part of Nginx configuration and includes configurations that are global to the entire web server.
Here's a basic example of an http block:
http {
# HTTP-related configurations go here
server {
# Server-specific configurations go here
}
# Additional server blocks can be added for different domains or purposes
}
Key points:
- Top-Level Configuration: The http block is usually placed at the top level of the Nginx configuration file (nginx.conf). It contains settings that apply globally to all server blocks within it.
- Server Blocks: Inside the http block, you define one or more server blocks. Each server block represents a virtual server or a configuration for handling requests for a specific domain or IP address.
- HTTP Configuration: Settings within the http block include directives related to HTTP, such as server_names, error_page configurations, proxy settings, and more.
The "server" directive:
The server directive is used within the http block to define server-specific configurations. Each server block represents a virtual server that can handle requests for a specific domain or IP address.
Here's a basic example of a server block:
server {
listen 80;
server_name yourdomain.com;
# Server-specific configurations go here
location / {
# Configurations for handling requests go here
}
}
Key points:
- Listen: The listen directive specifies the IP address and port number to listen on. In this example, it listens on port 80.
- Server name: The server_name directive defines the domain name associated with this server block. Requests with this domain will be handled by this block.
- Location block: Inside the server block, you can have one or more location blocks, each specifying configurations for handling requests to specific URL paths.
The final example:
Here's a simple example combining both http and server directives:
http {
server_names_hash_bucket_size 64;
server {
listen 80;
server_name yourdomain.com;
location / {
# Configurations for handling requests go here
}
}
# Additional server blocks and configurations...
}
In this example, the http block contains global HTTP-related configurations, and the server block handles requests for yourdomain.com with its specific configurations.