Next.js HTTP Proxy Middleware

next-http-proxy-middleware is a utility that enables HTTP proxying within Next.js API routes, leveraging the widely used `http-proxy` library internally. It provides a straightforward way to forward requests from a Next.js API endpoint to an external target server, handling concerns like `changeOrigin` and path rewriting. The current stable version is 1.2.8. Release cadence appears to be irregular but active, with multiple fixes and minor feature additions within the last year. A key differentiator is its direct integration as a middleware function for Next.js API routes, simplifying setup compared to manually configuring `http-proxy`. However, the library itself recommends considering Next.js's built-in `rewrites` or directly using `http-proxy` for simpler cases, suggesting this library is best suited when its specific `pathRewrite` or `onProxyInit` options are beneficial.