Directory listing (autoindex) in Nginx - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the autoindex directive do in nginx?

The autoindex directive enables or disables automatic directory listing when no index file is found in a directory.

beginner

How do you enable directory listing for a specific location in nginx?

Inside the location block, set autoindex on; to enable directory listing for that path.

beginner

What is the default state of autoindex in nginx?

By default, autoindex is off, so directory listing is disabled unless explicitly enabled.

beginner

Which nginx configuration block is used to control directory listing?

The location block controls directory listing by using the autoindex directive inside it.

intermediate

What happens if autoindex is off and no index file exists in a directory?

nginx will return a 403 Forbidden or 404 Not Found error instead of showing the directory contents.

Which directive enables directory listing in nginx?

A dirlist enable;

B autoindex on;

C listdir on;

D index on;

The autoindex on; directive enables directory listing in nginx.

Where do you place the autoindex directive to enable directory listing?

A Inside the <code>server</code> block only

B Inside the <code>http</code> block only

C Inside the <code>location</code> block

D In the <code>events</code> block

The autoindex directive is placed inside a location block to enable directory listing for that path.

What is the default value of autoindex in nginx?

A true

B on

C enabled

D off

By default, autoindex is set to off in nginx.

If directory listing is disabled and no index file exists, what does nginx do?

A Returns 403 or 404 error

B Redirects to homepage

C Shows directory contents

D Automatically creates an index file

nginx returns a 403 Forbidden or 404 Not Found error if directory listing is off and no index file is found.

How do you disable directory listing if it was previously enabled?

A Set <code>autoindex off;</code> in the location block

B Remove the <code>location</code> block

C Set <code>index off;</code>

D Restart nginx without changes

To disable directory listing, set autoindex off; inside the relevant location block.

Explain how to enable directory listing in nginx and what configuration block is used.

Think about where nginx controls URL paths and how to turn on directory listing.

Describe what happens when directory listing is disabled and a user tries to access a directory without an index file.

Consider nginx's default behavior when it cannot find a file to serve.