CGI Programming 101

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 224 pages
• Published by: CGI101.com
• Edition: 1st Edition February 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0966942604
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0966942606
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 13.1 ounces

Product Review
CGI Programming 101: Programming Perl for the World Wide Web is a concise presentation of the key elements of Perl CGI, which makes it perfect for programmers who are under the gun. If you need to get up to speed on text strings, for example, you can read that chapter and be a pro within about ten minutes.

Form processing is addressed early on, followed by searching and sorting techniques, illustrations of how to use server-side includes (SSI), and other critical issues. There's also a chapter on using MySQL--an open-source SQL database. In general, if you want to get the most out of this book, you'll be better off having some programming experience, be it in BASIC or C++.

The only element missing from this introductory course is an appendix containing Perl's reserved characters, operators, and functions; instead, this material is presented throughout the book. But CGI Programming 101 is still one of the most efficient ways to get up to speed with Perl CGI. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: Perl variables, CGI environment variables, form processing, data file I/O, searching/sorting, server-side includes (SSI), random number generation, strings, date and time manipulation, HTTP cookies, e-mail processing, securing scripts, Perl modules, database programming, and custom Perl modules.

Book Description
CGI Programming 101 takes you from the absolute basics of writing CGI programs, to advanced topics such as database interaction and using modules. The book includes:

* The Basics: where to write your scripts; how to upload them and set file permissions; how to run them

* How to decode form data and save it to a file or e-mail it to yourself

* How to create, read, write, and search data files

* How to use Server-Side Includes to add dynamic content to your web page, plus a complete list of Apache SSI directives (and examples of their use)

* How to use random numbers for rotating banner ads and random image pickers

* How to format strings, dates, and times, and how to create countdown clocks

* How to redirect visitors to another site

* How to write secure scripts

* How to use cookies

* How to extend your programs by using modules like CGI.pm and GD.pm

* How to create a MySQL database, and write scripts that interact with databases using the DBI section

Several Appendices are also included:

* A list of online resources, for more information about Perl and CGI, and where to look for CGI jobs

* A Unix tutorial, with examples and information on basic shell commands

* A Password tutorial that shows you how to password-protect your web site

Reader Reviews
I've gone through three or four other Perl books looking for one that would help me actually write the Perl scripts I want for my site. This book is perfect. It presents the concepts simply, but completely. I'm an experienced coder, but not in Perl and too many books either didn't answer my questions or bogged down in unimportant details. I have every confidence that I'll finally be able to write the web apps I've been dreaming of. As a bonus, the companion web site is very helpful (I've actually been waiting for this book ever since I saw the web site).