Our servers have the capability to run CGI scripts based on
Perl, Unix SH, KSH, CSH, and C (NOT C++) languages. Perl is a our
language of choice as it is a world standard and is well suited
to CGI. In addition, Perl code does not require manual
compilations whereas C code must be compiled* on our web servers
prior to use.
If you have a custom CGI script that you need to use, simply
upload it to your personal "cgi-local" Here are some
helpful tips to follow when installing Perl scripts:
- Upload to your cgi-local directory to ensure proper file
permission settings
- Upload in ASCII transfer mode (and NOT BINARY mode)
- The first line of each script must read:
#!/usr/local/bin/perl
- Use the Perl script checker in your Control Panel
- Reference the script using /cgi-local (and NOT /cgi-bin)
If a script calls another file within your account, but the
script does NOT require a URL, you need to use the system path.
e.g.
/u/web/<userid>/... <- if file resides in root
/u/web/<userid>/cgi-local/... <- if file resides in cgi-local
Substitute the path to the file beginning with your userid.
Your userid is the directory name of your account.
*** RapidSite can run only two C compilations for you. As
such, we suggest Perl as an alternative scripting language. A
work around may be available to seasoned C developers. C++ is NOT
supported.