Both forward and reverse proxies are proxy methods that play an important role in network communication, but they are significantly different in terms of how they work and the scenarios in which they are used. A forward proxy can be seen as a middleman between the user side and the target server, while a reverse proxy, on the contrary, plays the role between the server and the client.

Positive Agents:

正向代理的工作原理就像是一位秘书，为用户提供了访问目标服务器的能力。当用户向正向代理发送请求时，代理服务器会代表用户去获取所需的资源，并将其返回给用户。这使得用户能够绕过防火或其他限制，实现对特定资源的访问。

Reverse proxy:

Unlike a forward proxy, a reverse proxy works like a security guard that stands in front of the server and receives and forwards requests from the client. When the client sends a request, the reverse proxy forwards the request to the appropriate back-end server according to the configured rules and passes the response returned by the server back to the client. In this way, the client doesn't actually know who the final destination server is.

Distinction:

The difference in how forward and reverse proxies work can be explained by two analogies. A forward proxy is like a user who wants to visit a closed garden, but needs permission to do so, so he asks a secretary to apply on his behalf and eventually gets access. A reverse proxy is like a security guard at the front door of a restaurant; only with the guard's permission can a guest enter the restaurant and enjoy a meal.

Contact:

Forward and reverse proxies work differently, but they both provide security and flexibility in network communications. Both forward and reverse proxies can play a role in protecting servers and users in practical applications. They can improve the efficiency and stability of network access through caching, load balancing, and other technical means.