Hosting - What is CGI?

CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface. CGI is extremely useful for your website, and if your hosting provider does not give you access to CGI, then look for another host - its that important.

Ok, so how do I use CGI? CGI is great for making your website more interactive. CGI scripts are just like small computer programs.

For example, you can create a webpage that looks like an online form (where the user enters his/her name, address, comments, etc) and this is then emailed direct to you in a neat, easy to read format. Best of all, your visitor does not have to search for your email address, start their email program, etc - they can contact you right from your site!

Thats not the only thing you can do with CGI. You can setup chat rooms, mailing lists and even your own search engine on your website - CGI is powerful.

Remember, if your hosting provider fails to give you access to CGI, then start looking for another one that will.