What it does
Caddy is an extensible web server with a text-based Caddyfile configuration and modules for tasks such as serving static files or proxying requests. Its quick-start guide begins with a local address, while automatic HTTPS is designed for eligible public hostnames. The server is Apache 2.0 licensed, and its repository separates the open-source project from related commercial services and support.
Serve a local page before changing DNS
The Caddyfile quick-start begins with a plain-text file whose site address is localhost. That is a useful first test for learning the configuration format; the file_server directive can then serve a static directory, while reverse_proxy is available when requests should go to an application process. When moving from local use to a public hostname, Caddy can manage HTTPS certificates automatically when the domain and network setup meet its requirements. The quick-start notes that binding the standard HTTP and HTTPS ports may need elevated privileges on some operating systems; choosing higher ports is another local option. This is a web server to configure and operate, not a hosting provider that supplies the application runtime or DNS. The Caddy repository publishes Apache License 2.0. The product site also links to a store and commercial services, so this record describes the open-source server and its documentation rather than assigning a price to every Caddy-related offer.
Strengths
- A readable Caddyfile provides a compact way to describe local sites and server behavior.
- The same server can serve static files or proxy requests to an application.
- Automatic HTTPS can reduce certificate-management work for eligible public sites.
Watch out for
- Public HTTPS depends on suitable domain and network configuration, and local binding to standard ports can require elevated privileges.
- Caddy is server software; operators still provide hosting, application processes, and DNS where needed.
Best for
- Developers serving static content or reverse-proxying a local application.
- Operators who want a text-configured web server with automatic certificate management for public sites.
- Teams comfortable managing a web server rather than buying a managed application-hosting platform.
Sources
- Caddy - The Ultimate Server with Automatic HTTPS (Oct 25, 2026)
- Caddyfile Quick-start (Oct 25, 2026)
- file_server directive (Oct 25, 2026)
- caddyserver/caddy (Oct 25, 2026)
- Caddy Apache License 2.0 (Oct 25, 2026)
- reverse_proxy directive (Oct 25, 2026)