Not to be confused with computer-generated imagery, in the tech world CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface and refers to a standard that describes how web services should interface with external programs. Through this protocol, functions like on-screen forms can run scripts like spellcheck. In effect, CGI enables the use of programs that can’t be accessed directly through the web.
Technipages Explains CGI
Common Gateway Interfaces return and move data via scripts – in the case of a web form that the user fills out, the form generates output that is handled via the script. It can then connect to all sorts of other applications and programs to the site. A spell-check, even a database connection is possible, as are other types of connections with internet services that aren’t directly accessible.
In 1993, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications or NCSA created a standard for calling command-line executables for a mailing list. This then evolved when a group of developers adopted it and expanded on it until the current standard was created.
CGI is more than just one script – it’s a standard for creating different ones. Any web server will allow its owner to configure which scripts should be used when and where – in other words, the owner of the server can decide which programs interface with what user interaction.
Common Uses of CGI
- CGI is a standard that describes best practices for Internet-based applications interacting with websites.
- CGI scripts can be set up and assigned by the owner of a web server.
- The usage of CGI scripts became commonplace relatively quickly after their invention in the 90s.
Common Misuses of CGI
- CGI refers to computer-generated interfaces.