Differences Between CGI and Perl

CGI vs Perl

“CGI” is an acronym that stands for “common gateway interface.” It is a means that defines how important scripts and executables ought to anticipate for both incoming and outgoing data that emanate from the client. In this case, the client is the particular browser used. Perl, on the other hand, is a programming language that is common in the scripting of Web application code. For all Web apps that employ the use of Perl, they must make sure that they are conversant with CGI to ensure they run. At times, different developers may code their programs differently to enable them to read the code automatically or manually. Inasmuch as the use of CGI may be close, and at times it may be referred to as Perl CGI, it is important to draw a clear distinction between the two as both operate distinctly.

One of the most distinct differences between the two is that CGI offers a special feature which gives access to a backend hookup of programs that have been coded in C. Upon accessing the backend, a lot more can be done using CGI that would have been done if Perl was being used.

Another difference is that Perl in itself is a programming language which offers great flexibility. CGI, on the other hand, is not a programming language but rather an interface to the system which allows for an interface that comes to the system using a script or executable file of which may be C, C++, Perl, and similar languages.

CGI’s main function is the provision of an interface that may come from the Web server like Apache and clients. The client’s access to the interface comes from a CGI script that can be written in any of the available programming languages and availed as a .cgi. Upon taking the request from the client, the CGI script will appropriate different functions as desired and return the result to the client that requested the function. Many languages can be used for CGI scripting but Perl stands out as the best.

Perl, on the other hand, happens to be a dynamic, high-level, and thoroughly interpreted programming language with the main end result targeted at reports easier. The program has undergone massive changes in time with changes occurring and features being borrowed from other programs to what it is today. The language used in the Perl programming is a very highly powerful processing capability. It can also be used in the processing of large data length limits in most of the UNIX tool, and it can facilitate the ease in manipulating text files available. The best use for Perl is network programming, administration of systems, and any other applications that may need the access of a database. As opposed to CGI, Perl is flexible and adaptable to different developer environments. This allows for ease of data transfer between client and Web server.

Summary:

– Perl is a programming language while CGI offers backend functionality which allows great flexibility.

– CGI can allow the use of PHP, Perl, and other programming languages in C backend.

– The main offer CGI gives is an interface as opposed to Perl which is a programming language.

– Perl is commonly used in Web application writing as CGI provides an interface for the finished program to run on.

– CGI allows for writing interactive Web pages that can be viewed in any language.

– Servers make use of CGI for querying client content and replying back to the client’s query.

– Perl, on the other hand, is the language contained in the query from the client.

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