Cgi, Perl. What's this for?

They have: 54 posts

Joined: Dec 2000

Hi, I'm just a beginer and haven't yet really gotten into the complicated stuff in website building(cgi, perl, scripts, ect.). I know a little about cgi but what do I need perl for? Do I need to learn how to write computer programs? For what? And, how do I learn how to make my own scripts and what are they for? I really need to learn all that I can because I want to make really professional looking sites (www.imageharbor.com) but I don't even know where to start. I know all the basic html and most of all the easy stuff(frames, mouseover, tables, slicing images, ect.) but now I want to learn all the stuff I need to learn in order to make site that look really professional. Thank you very much for any input that can help me out, Thanks.

They have: 1,587 posts

Joined: Mar 1999

cgi is written using perl. it allows u to provide/use more dynamic content on ur site.

They have: 92 posts

Joined: May 1999

LEt's not confuse the poor kid, cgi isn't written in anything, perl is one language used to make cgi scripts but not the only.

Cgi or common gateway itnerface is just that a interface concept for the web. Cgi scripts can be made with perl, c, tcl, or many other scripts. Perl is normally considered the most common language for cgi scripts but is by no means exclusive.

Generally, the poitn of cgi is to provide a server side application that processes inouted commands. Cgi scripts can interact with databases, utalize server functions like sendmail and much more. Most forms on teh web use cgi to submit, save or run a function.

Unlike javascript and such, cgi runs on the servering application and is not effected by a client's system/speed but instead by the server's power/ space.

Ted S

They have: 1,587 posts

Joined: Mar 1999

go with perl for ur cgi man. there's tons of info about perl on the web and in books, makes it easy to learn.

They have: 51 posts

Joined: Aug 1999

For people wanting to make their site more dynamic without having to learn the quite difficult to learn perl. I recommend php.

They have: 1,587 posts

Joined: Mar 1999

yeah, that's a good idea too, just have to get a host that supports php, many do.

Mark Hensler's picture

He has: 4,048 posts

Joined: Aug 2000

I agree with zef, I think PHP is easier to learn.
But then again, there are more people out there who know perl that can help in a pinch.
And that's why we have the 'Other Scripting Languages Help Forums' Laughing out loud

Mark Hensler
If there is no answer on Google, then there is no question.

They have: 51 posts

Joined: Aug 1999

Stop! We'd nearly think you guys really thought out which boards to create here Laughing out loud

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