---
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)