How to install and configure nginx in Ubuntu?

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 -v

Step 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 nginx

Step 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

Rajesh Kumar

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.

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