# Proxy In [computer networking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_networking), a proxy server is a [server application](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_application) that acts as an [intermediary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediary) between a [client](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client_\(computing\)) requesting a [resource](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_resource) and the server providing that resource. Instead of connecting directly to a server that can fulfill a request for a resource, such as a file or [web page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_page), the client directs the request to the proxy server, which evaluates the request and performs the required network transactions. This serves as a method to simplify or control the complexity of the request, or provide additional benefits such as [load balancing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_balancing_\(computing\)), privacy, or security. Proxies were devised to add structure and [encapsulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encapsulation_\(networking\)) to [distributed systems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributed_computing). A proxy server thus functions on behalf of the client when requesting service, potentially masking the true origin of the request to the resource server. Source: --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://doc.bitbrowser.net/fingerprint/13.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.