CGI
Abbreviation of Common Gateway Interface, a specification for transferring information between a World Wide Web server and a CGI program. A CGI program is any program designed to accept and return data that conforms to the CGI specification. The program could be written in any programming language, including C, Perl, Java, or Visual Basic.
CGI programs are the most common way for Web servers to interact dynamically with users. Many HTML pages that contain forms, for example, use a CGI program to process the form's data once it's submitted. Another increasingly common way to provide dynamic feedback for Web users is to include scripts or programs that run on the user's machine rather than the Web server. These programs can be Java applets, Java scripts, or ActiveX controls. These technologies are known collectively as client-side solutions, while the use of CGI is a server-side solution because the processing occurs on the Web server.
One problem with CGI is that each time a CGI script is executed, a new process is started. For busy Web sites, this can slow down the server noticeably. A more efficient solution, but one that it is also more difficult to implement, is to use the server's API, such as ISAPI or NSAPI. Another increasingly popular solution is to use Java servlets.
Featured Partners Sponsored
-
1
private cloud project
Companies initiate private cloud projects to enable their IT infrastructure to become more capable of quickly adapting to continually evolving...
-
2
cloud backup
A cloud backup (cloud computer backup) refers to backing up data to a remote, cloud-based server. As a form of cloud storage, cloud backup data is...
-
-
3
mobile operating system
The mobile operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile devices.
-
4
big data
A catch-phrase, used to describe a massive volume of both structured and unstructured data that is so large that it's difficult to process with...
-
5
enterprise application
An enterprise application is the term used to describe applications -- or software -- that a business would use to assist the organization in...
-
6
private cloud
The phrase used to describe a cloud computing platform that is implemented within the corporate firewall, under the control of the IT department....
-
7
BYOD - bring your own device
A phrase that has become widely adopted to refer to mobile workers bringing their own mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops and PDAs, into...
-
8
consumerization of IT
Consumerization of IT is a phrase used to describe the cycle of information technology (IT) emerging in the consumer market then spreading to...
-
9
CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Short for customer relationship management, CRM entails all aspects of interaction a company has with its customer, whether it be sales or service...
-
10
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...
Connect with Webopedia
-
-
Android Apps for Remote Computer Access
Remote access is useful when you need to collaborate with co-workers, help a friend with PC problems or grab files from your desktop.
