I know my HTML downpat, but this CGI stuff is mighty confusing. What is CGI and how can I get it to work on my pages?
Firstly, if you don’t know anything about CGI, I suggest you not start with an application like the Database Manager or the Electronic Outlet. Start with an easy one like Form Processor or Guestbook and work your way up. I’m always amazed at the amount of people who want to start with the hardest possible project without doing any research first. They ask me “I know nothing about CGI but I want to install the BBS. How do I do it?” The problem with this question is that it is impossible to answer without writing a book. The question is far too vague. As with all technical fields, the catch 22 is that you need to understand what you are doing before you are able to ask questions which can be answered. CGI takes research and time to master. Once you have gotten the basics down however, CGI programming, especially in Perl, is very easy. However, though incredibly short, the learning curve is very, very steep. That means you should be prepared to spend a solid month studying CGI before you
