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70 - Tools/caddy/caddy.md

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+---
+title: Caddy
+description: Tool overview for Caddy as a web server and reverse proxy with automatic HTTPS
+tags:
+  - caddy
+  - reverse-proxy
+  - web
+category: tools
+created: 2026-03-14
+updated: 2026-03-14
+---
+
+# Caddy
+
+## Summary
+
+Caddy is a web server and reverse proxy known for automatic HTTPS and a simple configuration model. In self-hosted environments, it is often used as an easy-to-operate edge or internal reverse proxy for web applications.
+
+## Why it matters
+
+For many homelab and small infrastructure setups, Caddy offers a faster path to a secure reverse proxy than more manual alternatives. It is especially effective when a small team wants readable configuration and low TLS management overhead.
+
+## Core concepts
+
+- Caddyfile as the high-level configuration format
+- Automatic HTTPS and certificate management
+- `reverse_proxy` as the core upstream routing primitive
+- Site blocks for host-based routing
+- JSON configuration for advanced automation cases
+
+## Practical usage
+
+Caddy commonly fits into infrastructure as:
+
+```text
+Client -> Caddy -> upstream application
+```
+
+Typical uses:
+
+- Terminating TLS for self-hosted apps
+- Routing multiple hostnames to different backends
+- Serving simple static sites alongside proxied services
+
+## Best practices
+
+- Keep hostnames and upstream targets explicit
+- Use Caddy as a shared ingress layer instead of publishing many app ports
+- Back up Caddy configuration and persistent state if certificates or ACME state matter
+- Keep external base URLs aligned with proxy behavior
+
+## Pitfalls
+
+- Assuming automatic HTTPS removes the need to understand DNS and port reachability
+- Mixing public and private services without clear routing boundaries
+- Forgetting that proxied apps may need forwarded header awareness
+- Leaving Caddy state or config out of the backup plan
+
+## References
+
+- [Caddy documentation](https://caddyserver.com/docs/)
+- [Caddy: `reverse_proxy` directive](https://caddyserver.com/docs/caddyfile/directives/reverse_proxy)
+- [Caddyfile concepts](https://caddyserver.com/docs/caddyfile/concepts)