> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nginxle.onepub.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nginxle.onepub.dev/master.md).

# Overview

## Nginx-LE

Nginx-LE provides a docker container and tools to create an Nginx web server that automatically acquires and renews HTTPS certificates.

Nginx-LE uses the LetsEncrypt CLi tool, Certbot, to acquire and renew certificates.

Nginx-LE ships as a Docker image which you can use with Docker or Docker Compose.

You can optionally use Nginx-LE CLi tooling which allows you to configure and build Nginx-LE containers in a couple of seconds.

Nginx-LE is suitable for production systems, internal infrastructure and even when a developer needs a web server on their local machine.

This documentation tends to use the terms LetsEncrypt and Certbot somewhat interchangeably.

## Sponsored by OnePub

Help support Nginx-LE by supporting [OnePub](https://onepub.dev/drive/12368288-d545-4889-9c40-c0c1466d7073), the private Dart repository. 

OnePub allows you to privately share Dart packages across your Team and with your customers.

Try it for free and publish your first private package in seconds.

| ![](/files/fopu3C1In2oklc72uDal) | <p>Publish a private package in five commands:</p><p><mark style="color:green;"><code>dart pub global activate onepub</code></mark></p><p><mark style="color:green;"><code>onepub login</code></mark></p><p><mark style="color:green;"><code>cd \<my package></code></mark></p><p><mark style="color:green;"><code>onepub pub private</code></mark> </p><p><mark style="color:green;"><code>dart pub publish</code></mark></p> |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |

Nginx-LE supports both public-facing web servers and private (internal) web servers such as those used by individual developers.

The key advantages of Nginx-LE are:

* automatic certificate acquisition and renewal
* no down time when renewing certificates
* for Public facing servers, works with any DNS server
* support for wildcard certificates
* makes it easy for a developer to acquire a live certificate.

### Automatic renewal

Nginx-LE supports the automatic renewal of both Public and Private Web Servers.

### No downtime.

Nginx-LE is able to renew a certificate WITHOUT taking your web server offline.

Nginx-LE leaves your web server fully operational whilst it acquires or renews a certificate. After acquiring or renewing a certificate Nginx-LE performs an Nginx `reload` command which is close to instantaneous.