Perl - Extending Flexibility Using CGI

Perl module P404

Extending Flexibility Using CGI

Exercises, examples and other material relating to training module P404. This topic is presented on public course Using Perl on the Web

How to handle many and multiple form types in a CGI-based Perl program, and how to use the alternative POST method if appropriate. With other extras too, after this module, you'll be writing real, competent applications that handle form inputs and produce a professional, secure, correct response.

Related technical and longer articles

Nasty Characters in Web Applications
Accessing a MySQL database via a browser, Perl and CGI

Articles and tips on this subject		updated
426	Robust checking of data entered by users 10 steps to testing the bullet proofing user inputs or how to avoid being caught by nasties when your script goes live! 1. Test it works with intended entries. It's not going to be much good if it falls over when someone entered a valid piece of data! 2. Test it works (fails correctly) with erroneous ...	2008-05-17
1365	Korn Shell scripts on the web I know that the Korn shell isn't exactly the most common language for web scripting ;-) .... but if you've got a load of Korn shell scripts and a heap of Korn shell experts ... why not? "How would you do it" I was asked yesterday and I put together a tiny demo to show some of the first principles. ...	2007-09-25
1187	Updating a page strictly every minute (PHP, Perl) For the Clock exercise that I mentioned in my last entry, I need to update the page once a minute. Exactly once a minute. At the start of the minute. I'm using client pull, where the browser asks for the next page - so my basic request is: <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="60; url=/clock/now.php"> but ...	2007-05-14
641	Simple but rugged form handling demo There are some weeks (OK - MOST weeks!) where I have great fun during training course writing examples in front of the class that help with their application of the subject being taught. And this is one of those weeks. It's an added pleasure where the demonstrations are web based, because I can then ...	2006-06-05

Examples from our training material

docwrite.pl	Writing a document within a CGI script
envlist.pl	Environment and input lister
jumper.pl	Random jump - return a location header
mulcgi.pl	Handling a form with multiple fields
twoa.pl	More generalised form handling
twopost.pl	Collection information via POST

Pictures

Studying the question and tips

Background information

Some modules are available for download as a sample of our material or under an Open Training Notes License for free download from http://www.training-notes.co.uk.

Topics covered in this module

Returning a location and writing a document.
Returning a location.
Writing a document.
Forms with multiple fields.
Get v Post.
The Environment of a CGI program.
All the element types within a form.

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