Basic CGI/web server question (I believe)

[greedyzebra]

Are the scripts/apps located in the cgi-bin directory the only processes that are threaded by the web server?

The reason I ask: My cgi-bin application is going to be using an application that exists on the web server (but is not publicly accessable). Since there could be multiple users using the CGI ap, there could obviously be mutliple calls to execute the non-cgi-bin application.

TIA,

Tom

 

[danielhozac]

The web server doesn't fork that additional process, your program does that. //Daniel

 

[goBoating]

Typically, a web server is setup to run only those programs found in or under the cgi-bin directory.

However, once a CGI program is started by the web server, that program can call any other program it likes, provided it can see it and has sufficient permissions. For instance, if you install a program in your local(home) directory and set the permissions to -rwxr--r--, then the web server will not be able to run it. Set the permissions to -rwxr-xr-x and the web server will be able to run it.

Be careful. This stuff opens some serious security issues. See Lincoln Stein's security faq at

http://www.w3.org/Security/Faq/www-security-faq.html

'hope this helps

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