Rather than simply giving out static pages, web servers are able to generate dynamic pages depending on a user's input. The input can be from an entry form, buttons, pictures, etc. The information is then passed to a program on the web server which processes the data and returns a page or image.

This program is commonly known as a CGI program (Common Gateway Interface). It can be written in any available language such as PERL, C, C++, or shell script.

PERL is the most common language to use, it is ideally suited to CGI programming due to it's simple scripting syntax, powerful string handling, and specially written CGI library module.

This tutorial assumes you are already familiar with HTML, designing forms, and the PERL language. If not, tutorials are available on this web server.

Where to store CGI Program

You can develop CGI programs on the EziHosting web server. All CGI programs must have the extension *.cgi so they can be recognised by the server as a program to run, rather than as text to display.

Accessing the EziHosting web server
See the Moose about how to access your web space by using FTP.

Things to note

• A CGI program must be in the public_html directory or any directory under this.
• It must be readable and executable. (chmod 755)
• It must have the extension *.cgi
• You must upload CGI scripts in ASCII - not Binary.

Ok, ready for the next step...
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