Learn how to install and configure Nginx from source on AlmaLinux 10 in this 2025 step-by-step guide.
Installing Nginx from source gives us full control over performance modules, custom paths, and advanced configurations that are not always available in default repository installations. If you're running AlmaLinux 10, this tutorial will guide you step-by-step through building and installing Nginx from source like a professional.
We’re going to build it the right way — with logs, permissions, and system integration all properly handled.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, let’s ensure we have the following in place:
- A AlmaLinux 10 dedicated server or KVM VPS.
- A basic programming knowledge.
How to Install Nginx from Source on AlmaLinux 10 – Step-by-Step Tutorial (2025)
Step 1: Update the System
Start by making sure our system is fully updated.
sudo dnf update -y
Step 2: Install Build Tools and Required Libraries
AlmaLinux 10 uses PCRE2, so we’ll install that along with other essential packages:
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
sudo dnf install wget tar gcc make zlib zlib-devel openssl openssl-devel libpcre2 libpcre2-devel -y
These are needed to compile and support gzip, SSL, and rewrite rules.
Step 3: Create a Non-Login Nginx User
We'll create a dedicated system user for running Nginx worker processes securely:
sudo useradd --system --no-create-home --shell /sbin/nologin nginx
Step 4: Download the Latest Nginx Source Code
Find latest Nginx version on official website.
cd /usr/local/src
sudo wget https://nginx.org/download/nginx-1.28.0.tar.gz
sudo tar -zxvf nginx-1.28.0.tar.gz
cd nginx-1.28.0
You can always check nginx.org/download for the latest version.
Step 5: Configure Nginx with Essential Modules
We’re compiling Nginx with support for HTTP/2, SSL, gzip, and status monitoring.
sudo ./configure \
--user=nginx \
--group=nginx \
--prefix=/etc/nginx \
--sbin-path=/usr/sbin/nginx \
--conf-path=/etc/nginx/nginx.conf \
--pid-path=/run/nginx.pid \
--lock-path=/var/lock/nginx.lock \
--with-http_ssl_module \
--with-http_v2_module \
--with-http_gzip_static_module \
--with-http_stub_status_module
Notice how we're pointing everything to standard Linux paths for cleaner integration.
Step 6: Compile and Install Nginx
sudo make
sudo make install
Step 7: Set Correct Directory Structure and Permissions
We’ll now create required directories and assign proper permissions.
sudo mkdir -p /var/log/nginx
sudo mkdir -p /var/lock/nginx
sudo mkdir -p /var/cache/nginx
sudo mkdir -p /run
sudo chown -R nginx:nginx /var/log/nginx /var/lock/nginx /var/cache/nginx /etc/nginx
Step 8: Configure nginx.conf Properly
Open the main config file:
sudo nano /etc/nginx/nginx.conf
Update the top section to:
user nginx;
pid /run/nginx.pid;
error_log /var/log/nginx/error.log warn;
events {
worker_connections 1024;
}
http {
include mime.types;
default_type application/octet-stream;
access_log /var/log/nginx/access.log;
sendfile on;
keepalive_timeout 65;
server {
listen 80;
server_name localhost;
location / {
root html;
index index.html index.htm;
}
}
}
Also, make sure temp paths (e.g., client_body_temp_path) point to /var/cache/nginx and not /etc/nginx.
Step 9: Grant Permission to Bind to Port 80
This avoids running the entire process as root:
sudo setcap 'cap_net_bind_service=+ep' /usr/sbin/nginx
Step 10: Create a Proper Systemd Service File
sudo nano /lib/systemd/system/nginx.service
Paste this content:
[Unit]
Description=The NGINX HTTP and reverse proxy server
After=network.target
[Service]
ExecStart=/usr/sbin/nginx -c /etc/nginx/nginx.conf
ExecReload=/usr/sbin/nginx -s reload
ExecStop=/usr/sbin/nginx -s quit
PIDFile=/run/nginx.pid
Type=forking
Restart=on-failure
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Then reload systemd:
sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
Step 11: Start and Enable Nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx
sudo systemctl enable nginx
Check status:
sudo systemctl status nginx
Step 12: Allow Traffic Through Firewall
If firewalld is enabled, run:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
Step 13: Test the Installation
Visit your server’s IP or domain in the browser:
http://your-server-ip
You should see the default Nginx welcome page.
You can also verify via CLI:
curl http://localhost
Summary
In this tutorial, we've learnt how to install and configure Nginx from source on AlmaLinux 10. By compiling and configuring Nginx from source on AlmaLinux 10, we:
- Gained full control over modules and paths
- Used secure user privileges for safety
- Integrated cleanly with systemd
- Enabled performance features like gzip and HTTP/2
- Avoided common permission issues with PID, logs, and ports
We’re here to make the web work faster and smarter — the right way.
