Want to create Name Generator in CGI

[GaryCXJk]

I created a name generator:

http://members.fortunecity.com/garycxjk/namegen.html

But now I want to make it in CGI (I have another host with CGI). But here's the problem: How can I use databases in CGI? Where can I find tutorials? What is it with me placing multiple questions, while the previous questions aren't answered and probably won't be because I always use those long sentences that just absolutly make no sense at all and that has nothing to do with the topic?

[Alex]

CGI is not a programming language, but a server information gateway. If your host is under Linux then probably you can use Perl, but many other langs are possible too (python, ruby, C/C++, ecc...).
So first of all we should need to know which CGI language you can use.

[GaryCXJk]

I use a tripod host WITH CGI. I also have a forum there, but it's one of the few that are made for Tripod.

Should I do it with PHP? Is that easier? 'Cause I have also a tripod site with PHP4 and MySQL (I think it was version 3, I'm not sure, actually)

[Alex]

Ok.
If what you want is database access, then php is surely better and easier to learn.
Best place to look for infos is http://www.php.net/manual/en/ref.mysql.php
Or a simple "mysql php tutorial" search in google will help!
Also, if i'm not wrong, Tripid too has a php help section.
Anyhow, if you've troubles, fell free to ask.


Ok, my message ends here, but.....

Only a little extra about CGI, to let you understand better what it is. CGI stands for Common Gateway Information: it is a way to create dynamic contents extending the web server capabilities(apache, IIS and so on).
The way it works is simple: the server pass data to an executable program, and the program returns the data to layout to the server.
So:
1) server prompt for user input (forms, questions ecc)
2) server pass user choices to the parsing porgram
3) the program create he dynamic contents
4) the program pass these contents to the server
5) the server shows them to user

CGI is the "common protocol" between the server and the program, in this case the "bridge" explained in 2 and 4.

This is why having CGI means only to have that support: the program may be written in tons of different languages (perl, c, c++, ecc...), depending on what is present on the host.

[De KoFfieŠ]

Yeah, got php or mysql questions? Shoot'm!

[theforgotten]

PHP is your best bet. Oh yeah for your php4/mysql host it must be lycos.co.uk.

[Ryan]

name gen is awesome! keep it up

[GaryCXJk]

I think I'll stick to JavaScript, since my Lycos PHP just won't work.

[Alex]

But in Javascript you cannot use databases....

[GaryCXJk]

Well, I can use Arrays instead.

[GaryCXJk]

My Lycos PHP works again!!!

YAY!!!

And I found a PHP tutorial!!!

YAY!!!

[shinotebasiiackh]

Hm... I can never find a good book on C or C++. thought i might bring it up seince we where talking about  C and C++. anyway, does anyone know where i could find a good book on it? thanks.

[Alex]

More than one year old topic kick!!!!
This is a record, my friend!!
Anyhow, one of the best is "Bjorne Stoustrup's C++ Programming Language".

And...

1) check topic date before posting, or users here will destroy you.
2) open a thread for different questions. You're here was totally OT

[shinotebasiiackh]

Honestly, I'm not here often enough for people to flame me. But, really, you where talking aboutC or C++ (or at least you mentioned it).
Anyhow.... Bleagh!

Have a nice day. Thanks