CGI with Perl: Introduction

You want to code your own CGI scripts, and you want to try out Perl. Well, this is the beginning of a guide that should help you on your way to creating your own CGI applications for your Web site using Perl. First, you may need to pick up a few items. Here is a list of items you will want or need to have:

1. You need to have permission to use your own CGI scripts on your Web server. The best way to do this is to pay for your own domain and pay for a good Web hosting company to host your site. Be sure the company allows you to use your own CGI programs, and also be sure you have FTP and Telnet access to your domain.
2. You may want a copy of Perl for your own computer, but if you have a Web host they will have Perl on the server already. With Telnet access, you should be able to debug your scripts online. If you want a copy of Perl anyway, you can go to Perl.Com and grab a copy. You may need to do a lot of work to install it though.
3. You'll want an FTP client and a Telnet client. If you do not have these already, you can download one or both from a shareware site such as ZDnet. I use WS_FTP and the default Telnet program with Windows 95+. WS_FTP allows you to do most of the work without Telnet. You would only need Telnet for testing and/or debugging.
4. This tutorial is set up for those with a Unix Web server or Web host. Those with another type of server may have a different way of performing certain tasks such as Telnet and setting file permissions. Also, you must know how to use HTML, and how to use your FTP and Telnet programs before you begin.

If you own your own domain will have the materials and initial skills necessary to proceed. If you do not have what you need, you won't be able to use the example programs— but you should be able to follow along and learn the basics of Perl in any case.

Well, that's it for the requirements at this time. Let's go on to the next section, where you will see How to Install a Perl Script.