Redirect changes are small but risky. A safe workflow generates a narrow rule, validates Nginx syntax, tests Location headers and keeps rollback simple.
Workflow
- Decide whether the redirect is permanent 301 or temporary 302 before writing the rule.
- Generate a path-level redirect or host-level HTTPS/www redirect snippet.
- Paste the snippet into the correct server block and run nginx -t before reload.
- Reload Nginx only after syntax validation succeeds.
- Verify with curl -I and check that there is one clean Location header without loops.
Checks before production
- Avoid adding the same redirect in CDN, app code and Nginx at the same time.
- Test both http and https, www and non-www variants when host rules change.
- Keep a backup of the previous server block for quick rollback.
- Use 302 while testing uncertain migrations, then switch to 301 after confirmation.
FAQ
Where should a path redirect live?
Usually inside the matching server block before generic proxy or application routing.
How do I detect a redirect loop?
Use curl -IL and watch repeated Location values or too many redirects.
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