Proxy cache basics in Nginx - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a proxy cache in Nginx?

A proxy cache in Nginx stores copies of responses from upstream servers. It helps serve repeated requests faster by delivering cached content instead of fetching it again.

beginner

Which directive in Nginx enables proxy caching?

The proxy_cache directive enables proxy caching by specifying the cache zone to use for storing cached responses.

intermediate

What does the proxy_cache_path directive do?

It defines the location on disk where cached files are stored, the cache size, and other cache parameters like inactive time and keys zone name.

intermediate

How does Nginx decide when to serve cached content?

Nginx serves cached content if it exists and is valid (not expired). It uses cache keys to match requests and respects cache control headers and expiration settings.

intermediate

What is the role of proxy_cache_valid directive?

It sets how long responses with specific HTTP status codes are considered valid in the cache before being refreshed from the upstream server.

Which directive sets the disk location for Nginx proxy cache?

A proxy_cache_valid

B proxy_cache_key

C proxy_cache_path

D proxy_cache_use_stale

The proxy_cache_path directive defines the directory on disk where cached files are stored.

What happens if Nginx does not find a cached response for a request?

A It returns an error

B It fetches the response from the upstream server

C It serves a stale cached response

D It redirects the request

If no cached response exists, Nginx fetches the content from the upstream server.

Which directive controls how long cached responses stay valid?

A proxy_cache_key

B proxy_cache_use_stale

C proxy_cache_methods

D proxy_cache_valid

The proxy_cache_valid directive sets the time cached responses remain valid.

What is the purpose of the proxy_cache_key directive?

A Specifies the key used to store and retrieve cached responses

B Defines the cache zone name

C Sets cache expiration time

D Enables proxy caching

The proxy_cache_key directive defines how requests are identified in the cache.

Which directive enables proxy caching in an Nginx location block?

A proxy_cache

B proxy_pass

C proxy_set_header

D proxy_cache_path

The proxy_cache directive activates caching using a defined cache zone.

Explain how Nginx proxy cache improves website performance.

Think about how saving copies helps avoid repeated work.

Describe the key Nginx directives needed to set up proxy caching.

Focus on directives that define storage, enable cache, and control cache behavior.