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What it is:
A way to add interactivity to Web pages.
Not a scripting language (as many think) but a way for scripting languages to interact with a Web server.
Scripts can be written in Perl, C++, etc. even server-side JavaScript.
The scripts are server-side. They live on the server and are executed in server memory. (as opposed to JavaScripts run on the client side)
All Web pages with Forms require a script to do something with the data. Some use client-side (JavaScript) but most use some CGI script.
Pros:
Lots of examples out there
Fairly easy to program
Cons:
Server side... requires more resources, more round-trips
Not as dynamic and responsive as client side options
Examples:
Example 1: simple text mailer
Reader fills out a form, clicks on "submit" and the script parses the data and forwards it to a mailbox.
Example 2: guestbook
Readers sign in
Example 3: discussion / graffiti board
Discussion: basically, Web pages are built by reader input, and dynamically updated.
Resources:
Perl User
CGI Resource Index
Matt's Script Archives
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