CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface. It allows you to access more than just HTML code. It serves as a special kind of link between you and your internet service provider, or "domain." CGI lets you do tasks which require an input (usually from a mouse or keyboard), then it uses that information over on the server's side to run a program, which in turns makes a new set of commands and turns it into an output (usually on your monitor as text and/or pictures or sound from your speakers). INPUT->SERVER SIDE PROGRAM->OUTPUT

HTML, hypertext markup language is a method of putting information on the internet so that others can view. Any website that you visit was written in some version of HTML. Perl and CGI are extensions of HTML that add extra accessibility to web pages. Pages can now take information from the user and instantaneously generate a new set of conditions from the new information. This on the fly response time in web pages have been what make them so widely appreciated.

First of all, Perl and CGI are comparable to one another. They both have most of the same functionality. The reason for them both is quite simple. When something new comes out, the product inevitably finds its way to other companies, and multiple versions of the product emerge. But they are special in that they add a more user-friendly environment to any web page. Nevre heard of it? Well, we bet you've seen it before! Have you ever seen a counter or signed a guestbook? Ever had to type a password to gain access to a restricted website? All of these are examples of CGI and Perl. Wow! Small world, huh? Now do you see the value behind CGI and Perl?