(Common Gateway Interface script) A relatively compact program written in a language such as Perl, Tcl, C or C++ that processes data on a Web server. It is commonly used to process a query from the user that was entered on an HTML page (Web page) and returned as an HTML page, in which case the CGI script functions as the glue between the query and the database. For example, it would pull the search data out of the GET request in the HTML form, look it up in the database management system (DBMS) and format the results as an HTML page that is sent back to the user.
CGI scripts were the initial mechanism used to make Web sites interact with databases and other applications. However, as the Web evolved, other server-side processing methods were developed that are more efficient than CGI, such as Active Server Pages (ASPs), JavaServer Pages (JSPs) and servlets. See ASP, JSP, servlet and FastCGI.
Web Server Evolution
Starting at the top and moving down, this illustration shows Web and application server processing as it evolved initially using only CGI scripts and later using Java components. The separation of logic is portrayed here, and the Web server (HTTP server) and application server may reside in the same or different computers.
CGI scripts were the initial mechanism used to make Web sites interact with databases and other applications. However, as the Web evolved, other server-side processing methods were developed that are more efficient than CGI, such as Active Server Pages (ASPs), JavaServer Pages (JSPs) and servlets. See ASP, JSP, servlet and FastCGI.
Web Server Evolution
Starting at the top and moving down, this illustration shows Web and application server processing as it evolved initially using only CGI scripts and later using Java components. The separation of logic is portrayed here, and the Web server (HTTP server) and application server may reside in the same or different computers.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Atrise Everyfind Enterprise 9.2.0 (Windows)
- Everyfind allows you to design a website search engine for web site, CD/DVD, MP3/OGG music, help system and your PC. It can index most file formats and generate multilingual ultrafast, powerful and compact search engine with a nice look and feel. Visual compatible with your design This search engine contains...
- Software downloads 2009-10-03
- AbelCam 3.2 (Windows)
- AbelCam gets your webcam running in one minute. Web Cam server for any windows capture device. Web Server to deliver any content to the Web 2.0, Java and SilverLight sample site included. Can be integrated into existing Web site easily. Pan/Tilt/Zoom with Logitech Sphere, Orbit MP and AF, Creative Live!...
- Software downloads 2009-09-18
- Zoom Search Engine 6.0.1017 (Windows)
- Zoom is a free package for web developers to add a powerful custom search engine to their website, or CD/DVD, in a matter of minutes. No complicated server-side setup procedures, just index and upload from the convenience of your own Windows computer. Features include: "Google-like" context descriptions and recommended links,...
- Software downloads 2009-07-16
- a2z Script Installer 3.0 (Windows)
- Considering the technology of the internet, isn't it amazing that people still have to install cgi and php scripts by hand? No longer. We have written a program that fully automates this process. Our award-winning software will enable anyone without any perl, PHP or UNIX knowledge to easily install perl...
- Software downloads 2009-07-01
- Badboy 2.0.7 (Windows)
- Badboy embeds Microsoft's Internet Explorer* and monitors and controls its actions to provide you with a high powered automation tool for testing and development work. This allows you to capture and see the CGI parameters, pages and framesets being requested, modify them and replay them at any time without manual...
- Software downloads 2009-01-15
- Search Engine Studio 5.0.10 (Windows)
- Search Engine Studio automatically indexes your web site (with a HTTP crawler, an FTP / local disk scanner, or using an XML file) and then creates a professional, fast search engine for your website as a binary CGI script or PHP script or an offline search for CD-ROM / DVD...
- Software downloads 2009-01-13
- Smile Server 3.4.1 (Mac)
- Smile Server is an integrated web applications development environment based on Smile, the AppleScript automation environment. With the Smile server license, you can receive and handle http requests (cgi and xml-rpc), and program web applications in AppleScript visit an example. Smile is also a free XHTML editor, it can validate...
- Software downloads 2009-01-12
- Fastream IQ Web/FTP Server 11.5.5R (Windows)
- Secure multi-threaded HTTPS/FTPS server combo for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008 with speed limits, storage quotas, dynamic DNS, SSL, GZip, events, filter, logging, CGI, ISAPI, ultra-fast cache and remote GUI! The easiest-to-use file/script/document server for Windows to convert your Windows into a server powerhouse with almost no technical skills needed.
- Software downloads 2008-10-14
- Google App Engine creation process live on Twitter
- I'm watching Dion Hinchcliffe and a small group of other observers and developers create a Google App Engine GAE application live via Twitter. We're on the cutting edge of using social media and near-real time collaboration tools free to learn and use GAE for free, and then...
- Blog posts 2008-04-12
- ImageFolio Lite 4.3 (Mac)
- ImageFolio Lite is a free platform independent, web-based, digital photo gallery application for managing and sharing your photographs on the web. ImageFolio Lite fully automates the process of viewing, publishing, and maintaining your web-based JPEG photo gallery.ImageFolio has the unique built-in ability to create thumbnails and preview images from your...
- Software downloads 2008-01-25
- Mozilla confirms Firefox proof of concept information leak vulnerability
- Mozilla confirms Firefox proof of concept information leak vulnerabilityThe more I use firefox, the less impressed...I am. After install a third party firewall I discovered that it reports to Google search disabled and fishing detection disabled with every web site I visit.And now, the fact that someone can read what...
- Discussion threads 2008-01-23
- ImageFolio Lite 4.2 (Windows)
- ImageFolio Lite is a free platform independent, web-based, digital photo gallery application for managing and sharing your photographs on the web. ImageFolio Lite fully automates the process of viewing, publishing, and maintaining your web-based JPEG photo gallery. ImageFolio has the unique built-in ability to create thumbnails and preview images from...
- Software downloads 2008-01-21
- SitePad Pro 7.0b.880 (Windows)
- SitePad Pro is a general-purpose scriptable editor. Features include extensive support for Java including ANT and a visual debugger, projects, code folding outlining, smart keys a key pattern that invokes a script, smart indent, code completion, syntax coloring, bookmarks, spell checker, line numbers, finder tool bar with regular expression search...
- Software downloads 2007-11-26
- Firefox feature introduces danger
- Firefox feature introduces dangerOh Oh, I know the answer to this one...Install the [url=http://noscript.net/]NoScript plug-in[/url] and put a 'check mark' on 'Forbid Java' in 'Options'.How many public sites uses Java nowadays?That [i]should take care of it![/i] ;)Non issueI myself have yet to see a jar: link, sure doesn't seem like...
- Discussion threads 2007-11-09
- vTest 2.0.0.5 (Windows)
- vTest is an automated functional and regression testing tool for web applications. It incorporates record, verify, playback and reporting capabilities. All popular Internet technologies such as HTTP, HTTPS/SSL, JavaScript, DHTML, ActiveX, Java and Flash are supported. vTest also supports all major web application frameworks including ASP, ASP.NET, Java Servlets and...
- Software downloads 2007-09-18
- Quick 'n Easy Web Server Pro 3.3.3 (Windows)
- Quick ‘n Easy Web Server is very easy to configure, it supports native ASP (no need to install IIS!) and it looks pretty cool too! Take a look at the extended list of features and download your copy today. Features: Multi threaded. Real time server log (can also log...
- Software downloads 2007-08-17
- 10 days from report to patch for new Firefox exploit
- 10 days from report to patch for new Firefox exploitthis is actually a Windows issue ..this is actually a Windows API function issue. See link http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/403150WrongBoth IE and FF are at fault, the difference being that FF has addressed it.They may have had to eat crow...but at least they...
- Discussion threads 2007-07-31
- Perl Express 2.5 (Windows)
- A free integrated development environment IDE for Perl with multiple tools for writing and debugging your scripts. It features multiple CGI scripts for editing, running, and debugging; multiple input files; full server simulation; queries created from an internal Web browser or query editor; test MySQL, MS Access scripts; interective I/O;...
- Software downloads 2007-06-26
- Do you know what's leaking out of your browser?
- Do you know what's leaking out of your browser?Intellihence you are such a noob they get the same informationIntellihence you are such a noob they get the same information that was posted on the test page you posted in cookies dropped on your box everyday.this is nothing new about ip...
- Discussion threads 2007-05-14
- Mysql Data Manager 1.73 (Windows)
- Mysql Data Manager is a tool for online management of mysql databases. This is an all-inclusive web based mysql front end providing a powerful tool for databases management, development and maintenance. Easy installation and intuitive interface make it irreplaceable tool for mysql on the web. The program is written entirely...
- Software downloads 2006-12-08
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- Keep Up With The Latest In Document Management with The DocuMentor.
-
Doc delivers the scoop on today's enterprise content management, printer maintenance, and all other issues related to document management. It's the DocuMentor Blog.
- Learn more >>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
-
-
Smart Tech
Expert advice on innovations in healthcare and the green technologies that make it happen.
Find out more
-
Smart Business
Discussion and advice on management issues that revolve around making your world smarter and more useful.
More Smart Advice
-
Smart People
The best and worst moves in the management and strategy trenches.
Learn More
