Easy CGI Problems

CGI programs allow you to interact with web servers.

Common Gateway Interface (CGI) transfers information between web servers and CGI programs. CGI is a server-side solution, because all of the processing is done on the server instead of your computer. CGI can be written in many programming languages, such as Perl, C, Java or Visual Basic.

File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions will generate a 403 error after you upload and try to access the file. This error occurs when the file permissions have not been properly set after the file is uploaded. Use your FTP software to change mode (CHMOD) the file to 755 to properly execute the file.

Configuration Error

If you receive an error message telling you that you have a configuration error, this means that the first line of your script has the wrong path for Perl. Contact your web hosting company to find out what the correct path for Perl is on your server. Correct the script and upload the file again in ASCII mode.

File Extension

Some servers will only allow CGI programs to run if the filename ends in ".cgi." Check with your web hosting company to see if they allow other filename extensions, or alter your current filename extension to correct the issue.

References

• JardScripts: Common CGI Problems and How to Fix Them
• W3C Security: CGI Scripts

Resources

• Perl Programming Documentation: Tutorials