Step 1: Update Software Repositories
$ sudo apt-get updateCode language: JavaScript (javascript)Step 2: Install Nginx From Ubuntu Repositories
Nginx is included in the Ubuntu 20.04 default repositories. Install it by entering the following command:
$ sudo apt-get install nginxCode language: JavaScript (javascript)Step 3: Verify the Installation
Verify that Nginx installed correctly by checking the software version. Enter the following:
$ nginx -vStep 4: Controlling the Nginx Service
Start by checking the status of the Nginx service:
$ sudo systemctl status nginx
$ sudo systemctl start nginx
$ sudo systemctl enable nginx
$ sudo systemctl stop nginx
$ sudo systemctl disable nginx
$ sudo systemctl reload nginx
$ sudo systemctl restart nginxStep 5: Allow Nginx Traffic
# Start by displaying the available Nginx profiles:
$ sudo ufw app list
# To grant Nginx access through the default Ubuntu firewall, enter the following:
$ sudo ufw allow 'nginx http'
# Refresh the firewall settings by entering
$ sudo ufw reload
# For encrypted (https) traffic, enter:
$ sudo ufw allow 'nginx https'
# To allow both, enter:
$ sudo ufw allow 'nginx full'
Code language: PHP (php)Step 6: Test Nginx
Make sure that the Nginx service is running, as in Step 4. Open a web browser, and navigate to the following web address:
http://127.0.0.1
$ sudo apt-get install curl
$ curl –i 127.0.0.1Code language: JavaScript (javascript)Step 7: Configure a Server Block (Optional)
In Nginx, a server block is a configuration that works as its own server. By default, Nginx has one server block preconfigured.
It is located at /var/www/html.
vi /var/www/html/index.html
In the text editor, enter the following HTML code:
<html>
<head>
<title>Welcome to test_domain.com!</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>This message confirms that your Nginx server block is working. Great work!</h1>
</body>
</html>Code language: JavaScript (javascript)Important Nginx File Locations
By default, Nginx stores different configuration and log files in the following locations:
- /var/www/html – Website content as seen by visitors.
- /etc/nginx – Location of the main Nginx application files.
- /etc/nginx/nginx.conf – The main Nginx configuration file.
- /etc/nginx/sites-available – List of all websites configured through Nginx.
- /etc/nginx/sites-enabled – List of websites actively being served by Nginx.
- /var/log/nginx/access.log – Access logs tracking every request to your server.
- /var/log/ngins/error.log – A log of any errors generated in Nginx.
Reference
- https://phoenixnap.com/kb/how-to-install-nginx-on-ubuntu-20-04
I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.
I publish technical articles at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market insights at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at TrueReviewNow, and SEO and digital marketing strategies at Wizbrand.
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