CGI
CGI (Common Gateway Interface) is a standard protocol that enables web servers to execute external programs, typically scripts or applications, to generate dynamic web content. It defines how data is passed between the web server and these programs, allowing for interactive features like form processing, database queries, and custom responses. While largely superseded by more modern technologies, it was foundational for early dynamic web development.
Developers should learn CGI to understand the historical evolution of web technologies and for legacy system maintenance, as some older applications still rely on it. It's also useful for educational purposes to grasp how server-side processing works at a low level, such as in simple scripting tasks or embedded systems where lightweight solutions are needed. However, for new projects, modern alternatives are recommended due to performance and security limitations.