CGI-Bin

What Does CGI-Bin Mean?

A CGI-bin is a folder used to house scripts that will interact with a Web browser to provide functionality for a Web page or website. Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a resource for accommodating the use of scripts in Web design. As scripts are sent from a server to a Web browser, the CGI-bin is often referenced in a url.

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Techopedia Explains CGI-Bin

There is some debate as to whether CGI is obsolete because this functionality can also be provided by using JavaScript and new Web programming tools like PHP. While some aspects of Web design are moving away from the use of CGI and the CGI-bin, some designers still like to use this kind of system to add dynamic features to a Web page. Still, there are some drawbacks to using a CGI approach related to the individual commands needed to load scripts. There can also be issues with browsers timing out as a result of faulty script.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…