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In this article, we'll explore the crucial role of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates in securing websites. SSL certificates are a fundamental aspect of web security, safeguarding data transmitted between servers and browsers. You'll learn why HTTPS, the encrypted version of the HTTP protocol, is a necessary standard for any website, and how the absence of an SSL certificate can affect a site's perception by browsers and users. We will also discuss how developers can utilize self-signed SSL certificates during the development and testing phases of web applications when an official certificate is either unavailable or impractical. This is vital for establishing encrypted connections and ensuring security while testing new features and sites. The article provides steps for creating and integrating these certificates with the Nginx web server.