CGI Scripting

Explains how to set up data forms, design and implement clickable image maps, and utilize the special features of CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripting and includes a CD-ROM containing public domain CGI utilities and the examples mentioned in the text. Original. (Advanced).

Thank you, William E. Weinman. The CGI Book does something other CGI texts should take note of. Namely, it admits that CGI is not a huge topic and sets about explaining it in a clear, concise, and useful way without feeling obliged to make it fill a bigger book than it can. From the "Hello, World" program for CGI on the opening pages to the discussion of CGI security, this book is one that intermediate programmers will enjoy.

Focusing on CGI programs written in sh, C, and Perl, Weinman begins by dissecting several "Hello, World" CGI programs and explaining how they work. Then, he explains the CGI methods and environment variables. (The environment variables are helpfully grouped by function, such as those that tell about the server and those that describe the client.) The book proceeds to discuss form handling in depth and gives special attention to authentication routines.

The CGI Book distinguishes itself in its discussion of advanced CGI topics, covering server-side includes (SSI), push systems, and cookies--both temporary and persistent. The book includes several shopping-cart examples in both Perl and C. (These examples, along with those that appear throughout the book, appear on the accompanying CD-ROM.)

You may want better coverage of image maps and databases but, overall, The CGI Book is an excellent choice for the intermediate programmer who wants to acquire a deep understanding of how CGI works while using it to solve real-world problems.