Functionality of try_files in NGINX

Understanding the functionality of try_files in NGINX

In NGINX, we are always looking for the best ways to manage incoming requests. One of the prominent features of this web server is the try_files directive, which allows us to check multiple files or paths, and if one of them exists, we can direct to it. This topic can be particularly important for websites that have multiple files and require specialized management, making it a critical task.

In fact, try_files can help us eliminate errors. For example, if a user accesses a specific URL where the requested file does not exist, we can easily redirect them to another valid path or even show a 404 error page. This can enhance user experience and direct users to the correct information.

The try_files directive is simply used in the NGINX configuration file, and with this, we can check several paths. For example, we may want to check if a file exists, and if it does not, we move on to the next path, and this process continues. This is a major tool for any web developer and is considered essential for optimizing their websites.

Keep in mind that this directive must be placed within a location block. Inside this block, we can define specific priorities for a request that we receive. For instance, if a static file does not exist, we can direct the user to a 404 error page. This model of file and request management can greatly vary and from this, provide adaptable responses to different needs.

Example of using try_files

location / {
    try_files $uri $uri/ /404.html;
}

Code Explanation

In this example, we set a location block:

This line specifies that all requests starting with a slash (/) will fall within this block.

In this line, NGINX will first check whether the requested file (identified by $uri) exists. If it does not exist, it will check if this URI can be used directly (with a slash at the end). If neither exists, the user will be shown the page 404.html.

This line indicates the end of the location block.