Implementing Custom CGI Scripts

Our servers have the capability to run CGI scripts based on Perl, Unix SH, KSH, CSH, and C (NOT C++) languages. Perl is a our language of choice as it is a world standard and is well suited to CGI. In addition, Perl code does not require manual compilations whereas C code must be compiled* on our web servers prior to use.

If you have a custom CGI script that you need to use, simply upload it to your personal "cgi-local" Here are some helpful tips to follow when installing Perl scripts:

1. Upload to your cgi-local directory to ensure proper file permission settings
2. Upload in ASCII transfer mode (and NOT BINARY mode)
3. The first line of each script must read:   #!/usr/local/bin/perl
4. Use the Perl script checker in your Control Panel
5. Reference the script using /cgi-local (and NOT /cgi-bin)

If a script calls another file within your account, but the script does NOT require a URL, you need to use the system path.

e.g.
   /u/web/<userid>/...            <- if file resides in root
   /u/web/<userid>/cgi-local/...  <- if file resides in cgi-local

Substitute the path to the file beginning with your userid. Your userid is the directory name of your account.

*** Dynamic Net, Inc. can run only two C compilations for you. As such, we suggest Perl as an alternative scripting language. A work around may be available to seasoned C developers. C++ is NOT supported.

Other Resources
Perl and CGI Learning and Use Resources
Installing Custom Perl Scripts
Making Your CGI-scripts Server Independent
comp.lang.perl.misc
comp.infosystems.www.authoring.cgi

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