nginx ignition is a user-friendly web interface designed for developers and enthusiasts who want to manage the nginx web server without manually editing configuration files. It provides a visual interface for configuring virtual hosts, SSL certificates, routing rules, and server settings—making it ideal for homelabs, personal projects, or small-scale deployments. The tool is intentionally not built for enterprise-grade complexity; instead, it focuses on delivering a streamlined experience for common use cases where manual nginx config files become cumbersome. By combining a React-based UI with a Go backend, it offers real-time configuration updates and built-in integrations for Docker, Tailscale, and TrueNAS.
nginx ignition supports both running nginx directly or generating configuration files for external use, giving users flexibility in deployment. It includes automated Let’s Encrypt certificate issuance, logging with rotation, ABAC-based security controls, and caching configuration—all accessible through a clean web interface. This makes it especially valuable for users who understand nginx’s power but want to avoid the steep learning curve of its syntax and file structure.
What You Get
- Virtual hosts - Create and manage multiple domains with custom routes, port bindings, and server names through a web form—no need to edit nginx.conf manually.
- Streams - Proxy TCP, UDP, and Unix sockets with SNI-based routing, circuit breakers, and load balancing via a graphical interface.
- Versatile routing - Configure proxies, HTTP redirects, static file serving, and custom JavaScript or Lua scripts without touching config files.
- Server configuration - Adjust nginx server settings like max body size, upload limits, timeouts, server tokens, and log levels through a form-based UI.
- SSL certificates - Automate Let’s Encrypt (ACME) certificate issuance, generate self-signed certs, or upload your own certificates with one click.
- Native integrations - First-class support for Docker, Docker Swarm, Tailscale VPNs, and TrueNAS with preconfigured setup options.
- Security - Enforce access control using attribute-based access control (ABAC), basic authentication, and source IP whitelisting per virtual host.
- Logging - View detailed access and error logs for the server and individual hosts, with automatic log rotation enabled by default.
- Performance - Configure nginx caching rules directly in the UI to accelerate static content delivery without editing proxy_cache directives manually.
- Flexible execution - Choose between running nginx directly via the app or generating configuration files for use with external nginx instances.
Common Use Cases
- Building a homelab reverse proxy - Set up multiple services like Portainer, Nextcloud, and Radarr behind a single domain with SSL via Let’s Encrypt—all through a web interface instead of editing nginx.conf.
- Managing a multi-service development environment - Quickly route local domains (e.g., app.local, api.local) to different Docker containers without writing nginx config files from scratch.
- Problem → Solution flow - Struggling with nginx syntax errors or misconfigured proxy_pass directives? Use nginx ignition’s visual editor to define upstreams and routes with real-time validation and preview.
- Team/workflow scenario - Junior developers or non-DevOps team members in a small org can safely manage nginx configs without risking production breaks—admins retain control via ABAC and IP restrictions.
Under The Hood
The project is a Go-based API server designed to manage and configure NGINX instances through a RESTful interface, offering capabilities for access control, caching, certificate handling, and host management. It adopts a modular architecture that supports extensibility and seamless integration with containerized deployment environments.
Architecture
Modular monolith architecture with clear separation of concerns across domain-specific modules.
- Domain-driven design with dedicated packages for each feature (e.g., accesslist, cache, certificate)
- Clear separation between API handlers, business logic, and data persistence
- Use of interfaces for dependency inversion and testability
Tech Stack
Built primarily in Go with complementary frontend technologies.
- Primary language: Go (v1.21+), with TypeScript for frontend components
- Frameworks: Standard Go HTTP server, Gin for API routing
- Testing tools: Go’s built-in testing framework and golangci-lint
- Containerization support via Docker and docker-compose
Code Quality
Well-structured codebase with consistent patterns, though test coverage is limited.
- Extensive use of interfaces and dependency injection promotes modularity
- Standardized error handling with custom error types and stack traces
- Consistent naming conventions and idiomatic Go practices observed
- Some technical debt in test coverage and documentation gaps
What Makes It Unique
Focus on NGINX configuration management through a unified API.
- Comprehensive support for NGINX access control, caching, and SSL certificate handling
- Built-in i18n support and health check endpoints for operational readiness
- Modular design allows for easy integration with other systems or extensions