What is a Proxy?

When you go online with your computer or smartphone, it uses something called an IP address. Just like your home address, this IP address helps data find its way to your device and back again. So, when you visit a website or use an app, they can see this address.

Now, imagine a proxy as a middleman between your device and the internet. Instead of your device talking directly to a website, it talks to the proxy first. Then, the proxy talks to the website for you. When the website sends back data, it goes through the proxy before reaching your device. This way, websites only see the proxy's IP address, not yours.

Since the proxy handles your web requests, it can make some changes to the data if needed. But don't worry, you still see the same information you asked for. Only the web servers see the proxy's address, which can be different each time.

In computer networking, a proxy server is an application that intermediates between a client requesting a resource and the server providing it. It enhances privacy, security, and performance. By masking your IP address, proxies improve online anonymity, making it harder for websites to track your browsing habits. They can also cache frequently accessed content, speeding up your internet connection and reducing bandwidth usage. Additionally, proxies filter unwanted content and protect against malware, contributing to a safer and more efficient online experience.