Writing CGI Applications with Perl

With its sophisticated database, network, and multi-platform capabilities, the Perl programming language has emerged as an ideal tool for developing CGI-based Web applications. Writing CGI Applications with Perl shows you how to use Perl to accomplish the most vital tasks needed for todays online applications. Using numerous examples, line-by-line code explanations, and skill-stretching exercises, this book not only provides useful cut-and-paste code for your own programs, but it also teaches you practical skills and techniques that will enable you to develop any kind of CGI-based Web application with Perl. Focusing on the most important areas of Web application development, including database interaction, form and file handling, security, e-mail, and graphics, the book provides in-depth coverage of such specific topics as: *Working with HTML Web forms and obtaining user input *Cookies, tracking clicks, and access counters *Using the mod_perl Apache module *Connecting to a POP3 server for e-mail *Perl DBI and databases on the Web *Tying a hash to a database *Embedding Perl in HTML with HTML:: Mason *Remote file management via the Web *Creating dynamic images *XML and its derivativ