Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology

80 CGIIn a newly emerging sector there is less emphasis oncredentials (which are often not yet established) and moreemphasis on being able to demonstrate knowledge throughhaving actually developed successful applications. Thus, inthe late 1990s, a high demand for Web page design and programmingemerged, and a good portfolio was more importantthan the holding of some sort of certificate. However ase-commerce and the Web became firmly established in thecorporate world, the cycle is beginning to repeat itself ascertification for webmastering and e-commerce applicationsis developed.Industry CertificationsSeveral major industry certifications have achieved widespreadacceptance.Since 1973, the Institute for Certification of ComputingProfessionals (ICCP) has offered certification based on generalprogramming and related skills rather than mastery ofparticular platforms or products. The Associate ComputingProfessional (ACP) certificate is offered to persons who havea basic general knowledge of information processing andwho have mastered one major programming language. Themore advanced Certified Computing Professional (CCP) certificaterequires several years of documented experience inareas such as programming or information systems management.Both certificates also require passing an examination.A major trade group, the Computing Technology IndustryAssociation (CompTIA) offers the A+ Certificate forcomputer technicians. It is based on passing a Core ServiceTechnician exam focusing on general hardware-related skillsand a DOS/Windows Service Technician exam that emphasizesknowledge of the operating system. The exams areupdated regularly based on required job skills as assessedthrough industry practices.Networking vendor Novell offers the Certified NetWareEngineer (CNE) certificate indicating mastery of the installation,configuration, and maintenance of its networkingproducts or its GroupWise messaging system. The CertifiedNetWare Administrator (CNA) certificate emphasizes systemadministration.Microsoft offers a variety of certificates in its networkingand applications development products. The best knownis the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certificate.It is based on a series of required and elective examsthat cover the installation, management, configuration, andmaintenance of Windows 2000 and other Microsoft networks.A number of other vendors including Cisco Systems andOracle offer certification in their products. Given the everchangingmarketplace, it is likely that most computer professionalswill acquire multiple certificates as their careeradvances.Further ReadingCompTIA Certification Page. Available online. URL: http://www.comptia.org/. Accessed May 28, 2007.Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals. Availableonline. URL: http://www.iccp.org. Accessed May 28, 2007.“MCSE Guide.” Available online. URL: http://www.mcseguide.com/Novell Education Page. Available online. URL: http://www.novell.com/training/certinfo/howdoi.htm. Accessed May 28, 2007.CGI (common gateway interface)By itself, a Web page coded in HTML is simply a “static”display that does not interact with the user (other than forthe selection of links). (See html, dhtml, and xhtm.) ManyWeb services, including online databases and e-commercetransactions, require that the user be able to interact withthe server. For example, an online shopper may need tobrowse or search a catalog of CD titles, select one or morefor purchase, and then complete the transaction by providingcredit card and other information. These functions areprovided by “gateway programs” on the server that canaccess databases or other facilities.One way to provide interaction with (and through) a Webpage is to use the CGI (common gateway interface). CGI is afacility that allows Web browsers and other client programsto link to and run programs stored on a Web site. The storedprograms, called scripts, can be written in various languagessuch as JavaScript or PHP (see scripting languages) andplaced in a cgi-bin folder on the Web server.The CGI script is referenced by an HTML hyperlink onthe Web page, such asMyScript Or more commonly, it is included in an HTML formthat the user fills in, then clicks the Submit button. Ineither case, the script executes. The script can then processthe information the user provided on the form, andreturn information to the user’s Web browser in the formCGI or Common Gateway Interface allows a program linked toa Web page to obtain data from databases and use it to generateforms to be shown on users’ Web browsers. For example, a CGIprogram can link a Web user to a “shopping cart” and inventorysystem for online purchases.