How to Install Nginx Webserver on Debian 12
Nginx is an open-source, high-performance webserver that also works as a reverse proxy and a load balancer for backend applications. Nginx integrates with modern server-side scripting languages like Python, Golang, and PHP to run dynamic data-driven web applications.
This article explains how to install Nginx on Debian 12, set up virtual hosts, and secure the webserver with Let's Encrypt.
Prerequisites
Before you begin:
- Have access to a Debian 12 server as a non-root user with sudo privileges..
- Create a domain or subdomain with an A record pointing to your server's IP. For example,
app.example.com.
Install Nginx
Nginx is available in the default package repositories on Debian 12. Follow the steps below to update the server package index and install Nginx using the APT package manager.
Update the server's package information index.
CONSOLEInstall Nginx.
CONSOLEAllow HTTP port
80through the firewall.CONSOLEAllow HTTPS port
443through the firewall.CONSOLEReload UFW to apply the firewall changes.
CONSOLEVisit your server's public IP address using a web browser such as Chrome to test access to the default Nginx welcome page.
Manage the Nginx System Service
Nginx uses the nginx systemd service profile to manage the webserver application processes. To manage the service using systemctl, follow the steps below.
Enable the Nginx service to start at boot automatically.
CONSOLEStart the Nginx service.
CONSOLEView the Nginx service status and verify that it's running.
CONSOLEOutput:
Stop the Nginx service.
CONSOLERestart the Nginx service.
CONSOLE
Create a New Nginx Virtual Host
Nginx virtual host configurations enable the webserver to host multiple websites on a single server. A virtual host configuration consists of multiple directives that define the root directory, server name, error files, and index pages for a specific domain name. Follow the steps below to create a new Nginx virtual host.
Create a new Nginx virtual host configuration file. For example,
app.example.com.conf.CONSOLEOpen the file using a text editor like
nano.CONSOLEAdd the following contents to the file. Replace
app.example.comwith your actual domain.NGINXSave and close the file.
The above Nginx configuration creates a new virtual host that listens for incoming connections for the
app.example.comdomain and delivers web application files from the/var/www/html/app.example.comdirectory.Create the virtual host's web root directory.
CONSOLECreate a new
index.htmlweb application file in the directory.CONSOLEAdd the following contents to the file.
HTMLSave and close the file.
When you access the above HTML web application in a web browser, you will see a
Greetings from Vultrmessage.Grant the
www-datawebserver user and group ownership privileges to the/var/www/html/app.example.comdirectory.CONSOLETest the Nginx configuration for errors.
CONSOLEOutput:
Restart the Nginx service to apply the changes.
CONSOLEAccess your domain on a web browser and verify that your web application displays.
Secure the Nginx Webserver
Nginx listens for incoming HTTP connections on port 80. To secure the Nginx virtual host through the HTTP port 443, you must install a trusted SSL certificate. Follow the steps below to install a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate.
Install the Certbot Let's Encrypt client tool and the Nginx plugin.
CONSOLEGenerate a new SSL certificate for the virtual host. Replace
app.example.comwith your actual virtual host domain andhello@example.comwith your active email address.CONSOLEEnsure Certbot can renew the SSL certificate.
CONSOLERestart Nginx to apply the configuration changes.
CONSOLEVisit your virtual host domain using HTTPS and verify that your web application displays.
Conclusion
You have installed Nginx on Debian 12, set up a new virtual host, and installed a Let's Encrypt Certificate. Nginx works as a webserver, a load balancer, or a reverse proxy. For more information, visit the Nginx documentation.
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