What is the reason behind some individuals opting for port 8080 over port 80 when it comes to hosting a web server?
Some people prefer to use port 8080 over the standard port 80 for hosting a web server due to different reasons. One reason is that port 80 might already be in use by another web server or application on the same machine. In such cases, using port 8080 provides an alternative without conflicts.
Another reason is that some internet service providers or network administrators block incoming and outgoing traffic on port 80 for security reasons. By using port 8080, web server owners can bypass these restrictions and ensure that their websites remain accessible to users.
Additionally, developers and system administrators often use port 8080 for testing and development purposes. It allows them to run multiple instances of web servers on the same machine for testing different configurations or applications without interfering with the primary web server running on port 80.
In summary, the choice to use port 8080 over port 80 for hosting a web server is often driven by practical considerations related to existing services, network restrictions, and development needs.
Port 8080, also known as http-alt, serves as an alternative option for the HTTP server. Unlike the standard 80 port, it does not require admin rights, making it an unprivileged alternative. This port is commonly utilized when it is impractical to use the privileged 80 port or when there is a need to reserve it for standard connections.
In certain scenarios, the 8080 port is employed for proxy connections and for specific software applications, such as hosting control panels that do not rely on the "host name" parameter and are accessible solely by IP.
Additionally, it can be used for testing and development purposes, allowing developers to run multiple instances of a web server on the same machine. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool in various web-related tasks and configurations.
To prevent hackers from making lucky guesses, some of them are incredibly obtuse and only target port 80. It's beyond them to even consider trying a port as high as 8080.
But, in reality, port 80 might already be in use by another server.
And, honestly, I can't help but feel the urge to tinker with the server settings because my hands are itching for a little bit of change.
Port 80 is the go-to for web hosting, but it's also a prime target for script kiddies and bots scanning for vulnerabilities. Using 8080, a non-standard port, adds a bit of obscurity - kinda like a stealth mode for your server. It's not true security, just a way to sidestep the low-hanging fruit attacks.
Plus, on shared hosting or dev environments, port 80 might already be hogged by another app, so 8080 is a quick workaround without needing root privileges. It's a common alt port in the wild, often used for testing or proxy setups.