Prefix match in Nginx - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a prefix match in nginx configuration?

A prefix match in nginx is a way to match the beginning part of a URL path to decide how to handle the request. It checks if the URL starts with a specific string.

beginner

How do you define a prefix match location block in nginx?

You define it by using location /prefix/ { ... } without any special symbols. This matches any URL starting with '/prefix/'.

intermediate

What is the difference between prefix match and exact match in nginx?

Prefix match checks if the URL starts with a string, while exact match uses = to match the URL exactly with no extra characters.

intermediate

What happens if multiple prefix matches apply to a request in nginx?

Nginx chooses the longest matching prefix. For example, if both /app/ and /app/api/ match, it picks /app/api/.

beginner

Can prefix matches in nginx use regular expressions?

No, prefix matches are simple string matches. Regular expressions require ~ or ~* modifiers in location blocks.

Which nginx location block uses prefix match?

A location /images/ { }

B location = /images/ { }

C location ~ /images/ { }

D location ^~ /images/ { }

The block without any special symbols uses prefix match. '=' is exact match, '~' is regex, '^~' is prefix match with priority.

If you have location /app/ and location /app/api/, which one handles /app/api/users?

A location /app/api/

B Both equally

C location /app/

D Neither

Nginx picks the longest prefix match, so /app/api/ handles /app/api/users.

What symbol marks an exact match in nginx location?

A ~

B =

C ^~

D *

The '=' symbol marks an exact match in nginx location blocks.

Can prefix match location blocks use regular expressions?

A Yes, always

B Only with =

C No, never

D Only with ^~

Prefix matches are simple string matches and do not support regex.

What does the '^~' modifier do in nginx location?

A Prefix match with higher priority

B Regex match

C Exact match

D Case-insensitive match

The '^~' modifier tells nginx to use prefix match and stop searching further if matched.

Explain how nginx chooses a location block when multiple prefix matches exist.

Think about which prefix is the longest that fits the URL.

Describe the difference between prefix match and exact match in nginx location blocks.

Consider how nginx treats the URL string in each case.