Difference Between reload and restart in Nginx

reload (Recommended for Config Changes)

sudo systemctl reload nginx

Reloads Nginx without stopping it.

• Applies configuration changes without dropping active connections.
• Gracefully restarts worker processes while keeping the master process running.
• Preferred when you make configuration updates.

restart (For Full Restart)

sudo systemctl restart nginx

• Stops and then starts Nginx completely.
• Drops all active connections.
• Use when Nginx is unresponsive or if a full reset is needed.

When to Use Which?

Use reload when updating the Nginx configuration.
Use restart if Nginx is not working properly or needs a complete reset.