Caddy is an open-source web server known for its simplicity, automatic HTTPS, and excellent performance. The file caddy_2.7.3_linux_amd64.tar.gz contains the Caddy binary tailored for Linux systems running on 64-bit architecture. This detailed guide will walk you through every step to install and use Caddy effectively.
1. What is Caddy?
Caddy is a modern, secure web server designed to simplify web hosting. Key features include:
- Automatic HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt.
- Support for static file serving, reverse proxying, and load balancing.
- Easy configuration using a Caddyfile or command-line flags.
- Portable, with a single binary for all tasks.
2. Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure your system meets these requirements:
- Operating System: Linux (64-bit architecture, amd64).
- Privileges: A user with sudo access.
- Tools Installed: Basic utilities like tar and a text editor (nano or vim).
3. Downloading Caddy 2.7.3
Download the Caddy tarball from the official Caddy website or use wget in the terminal:
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wget https://github.com/caddyserver/caddy/releases/download/v2.7.3/caddy_2.7.3_linux_amd64.tar.gz
The file will be saved in your current working directory.
4. Extracting the Tarball
Extract the contents of the tarball using the tar command:
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tar -xvzf caddy_2.7.3_linux_amd64.tar.gz
You will see output showing the extracted files, which typically include the caddy binary.
5. Installing Caddy
To use Caddy system-wide, move the binary to a directory in your PATH (e.g., /usr/local/bin).
Steps:
Navigate to the extracted folder:
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cd caddy_2.7.3_linux_amd64
Move the binary to /usr/local/bin:
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sudo mv caddy /usr/local/bin/
Ensure the binary is executable:
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sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/caddy
Verify the installation:
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caddy version
- Output should display the installed version, such as 2.7.3.
6. Basic Usage of Caddy
Caddy can be used in different modes depending on your needs.
Serve a Static File Directory:
To serve files in the current directory:
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caddy file-server –browse
- Open http://localhost:8080 in your browser to access the server.
- The –browse flag enables directory listing.
Reverse Proxy Mode:
Use Caddy as a reverse proxy to forward requests to another service. Example:
Create a Caddyfile:
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example.com {
reverse_proxy localhost:3000
}
Start the Caddy server with the configuration:
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sudo caddy run –config /path/to/Caddyfile
Caddy will handle HTTPS automatically for example.com.
7. Setting Up Caddy as a Systemd Service
To run Caddy as a background service and ensure it starts on boot, configure it with systemd.
Steps:
Create a systemd service file:
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sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/caddy.service
Add the following content:
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[Unit]
Description=Caddy web server
After=network.target
[Service]
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/caddy run –config /etc/caddy/Caddyfile
Restart=always
User=root
Group=root
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Reload the systemd daemon:
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sudo systemctl daemon-reload
Enable the service to start on boot:
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sudo systemctl enable caddy
Start the service:
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sudo systemctl start caddy
Check the status:
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sudo systemctl status caddy
8. Advanced Configuration
Caddy’s functionality can be expanded with advanced configurations in the Caddyfile.
Example: Load Balancing
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example.com {
reverse_proxy /api/* localhost:4000 localhost:5000 {
lb_policy random
}
file_server
}
- Requests to /api/* are load-balanced across two servers.
- Static files are served for other requests.
TLS Customization:
By default, Caddy handles TLS automatically. You can customize it:
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example.com {
tls me@example.com
reverse_proxy localhost:3000
}
9. Troubleshooting
Check Logs:
Use journalctl to view service logs:
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journalctl -u caddy -f
Validate Configuration:
Before running, ensure the configuration is valid:
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caddy validate –config /path/to/Caddyfile
Port Issues:
If Caddy cannot bind to a port, ensure no other services are using it:
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sudo netstat -tuln | grep 80
10. Uninstalling Caddy
To completely remove Caddy from your system:
Stop the service:
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sudo systemctl stop caddy
Disable the service:
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sudo systemctl disable caddy
Remove the binary:
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sudo rm /usr/local/bin/caddy
Delete the systemd service file:
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sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/caddy.service
- Clean up other configurations (e.g., /etc/caddy if used).
Conclusion
Caddy 2.7.3 is a highly versatile tool that simplifies web hosting with its automatic HTTPS, easy configuration, and modular design. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting it up and using its features effectively. For more details, visit the official documentation.
