How I build a basic nginx config without starting from an empty file

An nginx config is easier to write when I start from the kind of site I am serving: static files, SPA, PHP, or reverse proxy.

The nginx Config Generator tool helps me inspect the input and output without writing a one-off script first.

The simple idea

An nginx config is easier to write when I start from the kind of site I am serving: static files, SPA, PHP, or reverse proxy.

I use it to answer one focused question at a time, then I review the result before using it anywhere important.

Step 1: Choose the site type

Choose the site type.

Step 2: Enter the domain name

Enter the domain name.

Step 3: Set the document root or upstream app

Set the document root or upstream app.

Step 4: Choose index and fallback behaviour

Choose index and fallback behaviour.

Step 5: Add TLS or redirect assumptions carefully

Add TLS or redirect assumptions carefully.

Step 6: Generate the config and read it before using it

Generate the config and read it before using it.

Step 7: Run nginx -t before reloading nginx

Run nginx -t before reloading nginx.

My checklist

Before I trust the result, I check:

• Choose the site type.
• Enter the domain name.
• Set the document root or upstream app.
• Choose index and fallback behaviour.
• Add TLS or redirect assumptions carefully.
• Generate the config and read it before using it.
• Run nginx -t before reloading nginx.

The tool makes the mechanical part faster. The decision still belongs to me: is this result correct, safe, and appropriate for the real task?