CGI / Perl
CGI is an acronym for Common Gateway Interface. A CGI script is a program meant to be run on the web.
It is a process which involves obtaining and/or sending data from databases, documents and other programs and presents that data to viewers via the web.
Perl is one of the most widely used CGI scripting languages. Perl stands for Practical Extraction and Report Language.
It is compatible with most operating systems including Unix, MVS, VMS, MS/DOS, Macintosh, OS/2, Amiga and others.
CGI may be written in any programming language. However, Perl is seemingly the most popular and widely used among all the others. The CGI is essentially a server side solution as the processing takes place on the web server. The user needs to implement various security precautions when using CGI programs, since a CGI program is executable which allows anyone to run a program on the user’s system.
Uses of CGI
CGI programs are instrumental in delivering an of array web based content. From creating web mail forms, counters to generating other complex database programs; CGI can accomplish it all. Creating a web page requires a wide spectrum of content from processing forms to enabling visitors place orders to creating counter programs; CGI program becomes almost indispensable if these features need to be added to a web page. A CGI can be written in any language including: C/C++, Fortran, Perl, TCL, Any UNIX shell, Visual Basic and AppleScript. The CGI program is by far the most common mode for the web servers to communicate dynamically with users.
Advantages of CGI and Perl
One of the main advantages of CGI is that users may create their own directories as required; without having to go through the system administrator. Moreover, the links are simplified as the .html and .gif files can reside in the same directory as the .cgi script. Furthermore; CGI is very simple and quick to develop. Its versatility lies in the fact that CGI can be written in any language that the user prefers. The reason why Perl is among the most widely used for CGI applications is due to its robust text manipulation capabilities as well as the powerful WWW support modules available. Although the programmer is free to use any programming language that they prefer; there is essentially a wide variety of CGI / Perl resources that are available. It is imperative however to first learn a programming language; before one decides to learn how to do CGI programming. Many CGI programming libraries come with robust interactive debugging tools and services which include: (for Perl); Lincoln Stein's CGI.pm, (for Tcl); Don Libes’ cgi.tcl, (for C++) Nick Kew’s CGI++.
Put in a nutshell, CGI offers language independence, and process isolation, it is essentially simple, open standard as well as provides architecture independence. Perl as a scripting language is best designed for text processing and therefore is widely favored.
Outsourcing Perl / CGI requirements
By outsourcing specific requirements to individuals or companies who possess core specialization in respective fields; companies or individuals are able to gather a better business as well as get their assignments delivered within a stipulated time frame in a cost effective mode. It gives them access to world class capabilities within a streamlined infrastructure.
