A Proxy

A proxy is a computer or a software program that acts as an intermediary between a client and a server. The client sends a request to the proxy, and the proxy then forwards the request to the server. The server's response is then sent back through the proxy to the client.

Proxies are typically used for one or more of the following purposes:

To improve performance by caching frequently requested content

To filter or block unwanted traffic

To hide the client's IP address or other identifying information

To bypass geographical restrictions or internet censorship

To provide anonymity and security by encrypting the communication between the client and the proxy

There are several types of proxies, including:

HTTP proxy: used to handle HTTP requests and responses

SOCKS proxy: used to handle any type of network traffic

Transparent proxy: a type of proxy that does not modify the request or response headers, and is typically used for caching or filtering

Anonymous proxy: a type of proxy that modifies the request headers to remove identifying information

Elite proxy: a type of proxy that provides both anonymity and security, typically used to bypass firewalls or for scraping data

It's worth noting that some proxy servers can also function as VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers, allowing users to securely connect to a remote network.