Most Web servers support the ability to access local programs using a  Web browser.  The standard is called the Common Gateway Interface (CGI).  A CGI program is executed in real-time so that it can output dynamic information. A CGI program can be written to transmit information to a database, receive the results, and display them as a Web document.  

   Perl is an interpreted language optimized for scanning arbitrary text files, extracting information from those text files, and printing reports based on that information.  It is also a good language for many CGI tasks. Perl is well-suited for tasks involving database access and Web programming since it is practical, easy to use, and efficient.

   Perl author Larry Wall advocated a free and open distribution policy.  The core of the language, the standard Perl library, the optional modules, and the documentation is written and maintained by volunteers.  There are many pre-written modules available through the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network that can be of use as is or modified.  These modules can save time in constructing a new Web-based library service.

For More Information:

• Hamilton, Jacqueline D., CGI Programming 101 . 2000.
• Kew, Nick, CGI Programming FAQ . 2000.
• O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., Perl Resource Center
• perlWWW

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