How Do U Create A Cgi. File?

[coolmaster730]

Im Not retarded but I just don't Know how to make a CGI File. Can you make it in Dreamweaver? I'm O.K. with Javascript, HTML, and ActionScripting But this is kinda different. If Dreamweaver can't run this, could you send me a Link to an Article or free program where I can Read and Make CGI's. Thanks

[einstruzende]

Way back when "cgi" became "the thing", it was primarily done with perl. These days you can write "cgi" with just about any language. Popular ones are perl, python, ruby.

So the first step is to figure out which language you want to learn (there is no "cgi" language).
Step two is to investigate your language using google. Searches such as "+python +cgi" will get you started.

Now having said all that, the idea of "cgi" in the traditional sense is rather out dated. You probably want a "modern scripting" language. Again you could use any of the languages mentioned thus far, or you could take a real leap and go with Java or C# (Asp.Net).

My preference is the latter, but then again I get paid to do it.

[VigilanteNighthawk]

Php is probably the fastest to learn, and it's supported on almost every host out there. You should also learn sql, a query language for interacting with databases. Using databases can make it much simpler to do a great deal of things. Your best bet is to learn how to use MySql, as most hosts support it. I have also seen PostGrSql supported, but it's harder to find learning materials. There are even books that teach the basics of php and mysql together.
Just make sure you do a lot of research into security for whatever language you choose to write with. There are a lot of attacks that can cause a lot of problems for both yourself and your users.Some of the general problems to watch out for with any language are sql injection, cross site scripting, and null byte attack. There are languages specific problems as well, such as php's problem with register globals, a feature which is deprecated but still around for backward compatiblity issues.

If you just want to do simple scripts, stay away from java for now. It's a much harder language to pick up, and it isn't as widely supported. (Php and java require extra software to run, unlike a compiled language like c++. Php requires an interpreter, and java requires a virtual machine. If your host doesn't have the program you need, your scripts won't run).