Objectives

These tutorials will familiarize the reader with the knowledge and experience needed to author a very basic CGI system using Perl. The goal is to give a good foundation, upon which the reader will be able to build better systems using the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN) to simplify common tasks and increase productivity. The following is required before beginning:

• A working knowledge of basic Perl
• A webserver platform running on a server that has Perl installed and functioning. The most common are
  • Linux/UNIX running Apache and Perl
  • Windows NT running IIS and ActiveState Perl
• The webserver must be configured to allow CGI access to a certain location (usually /cgi-bin/ from the base of a website)

It will be much easier if the reader is in complete control of the server machine. Having to ask permission to do any of the above may alarm a server administrator, in addition, you may wish to add a database or Perl extensions to your pages which require special privileges. All the tools used in this tutorial are available free of charge and with source so there is no reason to not develop on your own computer and then later transfer the application to a more permanent site if you wish. Links to software download sites are available from the menu.

All pages written by Craig Kelley unless otherwise specified. Please use the Contact link from the menu to submit changes or suggestions. Permission is given to use this tutorial in any way you wish including re-publishing or "mirroring". The most up-to-date version of this document currently resides at http://inconnu.isu.edu/~ink/perl_cgi.

This page updated: May 6, 2002 22:21