Creating and Running A CGI Perl Script on a Macintosh

We are almost at the stage where we can run our first CGI script.

Assuming that the script checks ok for syntax and runs in MacPerl we can proceed.

On a Macintosh (and NOT UNIX) there on further step we need to do in MacPerl.

We need to create a Macintosh CGI script:

• In MacPerl simply save the file as a CGI file. Use a my_file.cgi naming convention. The .cgi part is important.

  
  Figure: Saving a CGI Script in MacPerl (1)

  
  Figure: Saving a CGI Script in MacPerl (2)

  
  Figure: Saving a CGI Script in MacPerl (3)

• You can also save the file as an Runtime Version or Droplet. These have nothing to do with CGI Scripts but enable you crate standalone (runnable) Macintosh Applications. Perl is a popular programming language in its own right and has a large life outside of the Web.
• Place/save the .cgi in the My Personal Web Site Folder (or sub-folders) on the Maclab Hard Disk.
• Reference the URL for the CGI script from a FORM or directly. The correct URL is http://macname.cs.cf.ac.uk where macname is the name of the Macintosh you currently using. The name should be printed on a label on the front of the machine.

For the first.pl example we have developed here. There is no need to call it from a form so we could simple call the URL:

http://macname.cs.cf.ac.uk/first.cgi

from Netscape to test it out.

Note: Microsoft Personal Web Server must be running.