What is the difference between a proxy server and a reverse proxy?

A forward proxy server sits between internal users and the internet, forwarding user requests to external servers. It provides content filtering, caching, anonymity, and access control for outbound traffic. A reverse proxy sits between external users and internal servers, forwarding internet requests to the appropriate backend server. It provides load balancing, SSL termination, caching, and protection of backend servers by hiding their identity and IP addresses. Forward proxies protect clients, reverse proxies protect servers. ---