HTTP Proxy
An HTTP proxy is an intermediary server that forwards web (HTTP/HTTPS) requests on your behalf, able to read, cache and filter traffic at the application layer.
Definition
An HTTP proxy sits between a client and the web, forwarding HTTP and HTTPS requests on the client's behalf. Unlike SOCKS proxies, an HTTP proxy understands the web protocol, so it can inspect headers, cache responses, filter content and rewrite requests.
HTTP vs HTTPS proxying
For plain HTTP, the proxy sees the full request and can modify it. For HTTPS, the proxy typically uses the CONNECT method to open an encrypted tunnel it cannot read, preserving end-to-end TLS security.
When to choose an HTTP proxy
HTTP proxies are the natural fit for web scraping and browsing because they speak the same protocol as the target. For non-web traffic, a SOCKS5 proxy is more appropriate.
Examples
Setting HTTP_PROXY and HTTPS_PROXY environment variables for a scraper
Configuring an HTTP proxy in Chrome via the system network settings
Common Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Learning
All termsReverse Proxy
A reverse proxy sits in front of one or more servers and forwards client requests to them, handling load balancing, caching, TLS termination and security on the servers' behalf.
Read definitionForward Proxy
A forward proxy sits between clients and the internet, forwarding their outbound requests so the destination sees the proxy's IP instead of the client's.
Read definitionSSL/TLS
SSL/TLS is the encryption protocol that secures data in transit on the web — the 'S' in HTTPS — protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering.
Read definitionSOCKS5
SOCKS5 is the latest version of the SOCKS proxy protocol. It routes any kind of network traffic — TCP and UDP — between a client and a server through a proxy, with optional authentication and no awareness of the underlying application.
Read definition