CGI scripts on www.washington.edu

Before you begin to write a script, you should check if there is already a script available for you to use, such as mailto. However, there may be times when you need to write your own script.

If you are writing your own script using Perl, you should use as many already-provided packages and libraries as possible. For most scripts, CGI.pm is very useful. In addition, you should make sure that you have use strict; in your code; this package finds many errors before they happen.

A Perl CGI example is available to help you get startedI. If you are having problems with your CGI, you will want to read through the Debugging Case Study.

Differences from Other Web Environments

The info cluster, because of its distributed nature, has some restrictions for the CGI author: