What is API proxy in Next.js? How to setup API proxy in Next.js?

Hey readers, in this article, we will be covering all about the Next js API proxy and how to use the API proxy in Next js. Before jumping directly to the API proxy, we will learn about API and the basics of what exactly an API proxy means in this context. So if you are new to all these concepts, don’t worry, we will be covering it right from the fundamentals and will then move to differences. So keep reading.

Introduction

The Node js runtime is based on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. Node js is a lightweight and scalable network-driven app framework built on an asynchronous event-driven JavaScript runtime. The development of Node js applications can be readily scaled in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Both client-side and server-side apps are built with Node js. It has an open-source JavaScript runtime environment/model that allows single modules to be cached.

It is an open-source organization and it provides a runtime environment for running JavaScript code beyond your browser. It is not a framework neither it is a programming language. It is mostly used in the backend for building  API services, accessing databases, etc.

Node js helps developers build large complex applications with ease by using microservices. It can handle thousands of requests coming to the server without slowing down the system. Using microservices in Node js, one can easily scale a large-scale system and can divide it into different chunks for feature updates. It helps add independent features to the application without changing other services.

Uses cases/Applications

Both tech stacks are being widely used for developing web apps. Large tech giants like Netflix, Airbnb, and Instagram use this tech stack in their applications.

There are middlemen everywhere. Because of the help of these intermediaries, most of the products we utilize in our day-to-day activities are sustained and available.

For example, the retailers and wholesalers of goods and services that we use are only middlemen who assist us in obtaining what we require in a more effective manner. We don’t need to meet the manufacturer or understand the origins of the raw ingredients.

Proxy, in essence, serves as a digital intermediary between us and the internet.

What exactly is a proxy?

A proxy, also known as a proxy server, serves as a conduit between your device and the website you’re browsing. When you consider, for example, that proxies eliminate the need to expose your true identity, this can be a big security gain.

The proxy server, like a mediator, acts as an intermediary between clients and servers, redirecting client requests to resources – it’s best described as a gateway. Proxy servers should not be confused with virtual private networks (VPNs), despite the fact that their functions are similar.

Your computer’s VPN client builds a secure connection with the VPN server, obviating the need for local ISP routing. Like a proxy server, VPN connections encrypt and protect all of your network traffic, not only HTTPS calls from the browser.

Everything on the Internet is either client-side or server-side. A client is your browser; when you register on Facebook or Twitter, the form fields (traffic) you fill out are sent to and processed by a server.

When you try to accomplish something on the Internet now, your computer (client) talks with the server directly. Proxy servers can assist us in avoiding this.

The Importance of Using Proxies

Protect Yourself

In today’s cybersecurity environment, visiting a website without utilizing a proxy is not regarded as secure; it leaves you open and susceptible to anyone with access to the server. Using a proxy helps to safeguard client information from being compromised.

Firewall

Most businesses and homes install a firewall to prevent their network’s users from accessing particular websites. A proxy server can be used to access websites that have been banned. Organizations frequently have websites restricted or blacklisted that are regarded as detrimental to their employees’ data security.

Furthermore, many websites have geographical limitations. If you need access to websites in those situations, a proxy server can help.

Anonymity

Because you’re passing your traffic through a gateway, you’ll have some anonymity.

It accomplishes this by giving over only specified data to the middleman, which is the only information the server obtains about you. By using a proxy, a user can keep their personal information and surfing habits private.

Conclusion

This was all about the Next js API proxy. If you have any feedback, do drop a text in the comment section.

If you have any query related to React or JavaScript, do drop it down in the comment section also do check out codedamn courses if you want to learn more about JavaScript and React with its use cases and amazing projects. They also have an in-built playground for different programming languages and environment sets so do check that out and join codedamn’s community! 

Hope you like it.