Subject: From: Date:

CGI advice needed Mark Gilmore Sat, 29 Jan 2000 20:08:09 -0500

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Hi all,

NOTE:An embryonic ECS/LINUX is now "operational", in that it
executes Events and supports most serial-devices (less the
modem and the NAPCO). Still lacking is sound support and a
user-interface (other than scrolling status text).

Rather than manually re-invent yet ANOTHER user-interface for
ECS/LINUX, I thought that I would be better off creating a
HTML/CGI-based interface that could be used on multiple platforms
(e.g. Win AND LINUX). BUT before diving into anything, I would
appreciate your sage guidance :-):

1) Is this a good approach ?
   If not, why not, and what would be a better approach ?

2) Should I use PERL, JAVA, or something else (and why) ?

3) How could the CGI best communicate with ECS ?
   NOTE: The DDE interface (with some additions) would work fine under
   Win (if I could interface it to the CGI), but I would prefer a method
   that could be applied on all platforms.

4) Can you provide an IDIOT's description of how YOU would to it
   (including a basic description of the data/control flow and what
   software does what) ?
   Please remember that I am VERY green on CGI/PERL/JAVA/etc.

THANKS
-- 
Mark Gilmore
Omnipotence (ECS home automation software)
http://www.usit.com/omnip
423-745-0026

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