Getting the CGI Programs You Want
"I've been looking for a program to __________________. Any
idea where I can find something like that?"
When I receive those questions, I usually recommend one or
several script download sites. It is a question that can
benefit from an answer with more depth than I am able to
provide in a quick email response. Thus, this article.
Before you begin your search on the web, take time to
record what exactly you need your program to do. Here are
some questions that may pertain to your program:
- What kind of information should it collect?
- What should it do with the information?
- Is more than one form or database necessary?
- Will the collected information be used by another
program?
Be as clear as you can about what the program will do what
it will have to work with. This list will be a valuable
reference during your research.
Now, where can you find the program?
I am (naturally) biased toward our own Master Series of CGI
scripts (If you
don't find what you need in our Master Series, drop us
a note. We always have several new programs in the
development cycle. What you're looking for might be
what we're developing.)
One of the most obvious places to look for what you want is
in CGI directory/download sites with categorized lists of
available scripts. Many of these also have intra-site search
engines which can be used to search for probable words and
phrases in program listing descriptions.
If you find programs similar to what you're looking for but
don't quite fit the bill, make a note of the program and
the URL where you found it. Later, if you don't find
exactly what you want, this list can be useful.
Here are the two CGI directory/download sites I enjoy most.
Each has indexed programs from numerous programmers and
web sites. Although both have similar categories, one has
titles the other doesn't. Each site has its own unique
features, so you'll want to visit both.
http://cgi.resourceindex.com/ --
2200 Perl scripts, tutorials, a listing of
programmers, and a listing of jobs.
http://www.hotscripts.com/Perl/ --
3500 Perl scripts, tutorials, and a listing of
sites with script collections.
If you haven't found exactly what you want, the next step
is to find likely scripts that aren't listed in the above
CGI directory/download sites.
Make a list of words and phrases probably used in a
description of the type of program you are looking for.
At your favorite search engines, search for the items on
the list. As before, note the program and URL whenever you
find a program similar to what you want.
If you still don't find exactly what you're looking for,
you can do any of the following:
- Compromise with a program similar to what you are
looking for.
- Hire a programmer to modify one of the similar
programs.
- Hire a programmer to create a custom program.
Depending on how exact your requirements are, a compromise
might work for you and will likely be the least expensive
of the three options in both time and funds.
Modifying an existing, similar program might be less
expensive than creating a custom program -- so long as
the program is modified by the original author(s). If
modified by someone other than the original authors, much
time and care may need to be taken to reduce the likelihood
of introducing a bug. Programmer's time can be expensive.
Before hiring a programmer to modify a script or write a
custom program, consider buying and reading my ebook "How
to Hire a CGI Programmer"
The ebook has information about cost factors you might not
otherwise consider before making a commitment. It can also
provide an understanding of how to approach programmers for
better comprehension of your needs. There is also a section
on where to find programmers.
One of the important aids we at willmaster.com use to
understand customer needs is a comprehensive specifications
page. The list of features you developed at the beginning
of your search can be the basis of this page.
It is good practice to have the specifications recorded
somewhere as an understanding of what will be created.
There are many opportunities for misunderstanding,
especially if (i) specifications are developed over a
series of emails that contain indecisiveness and changes
of mind or if (ii) specifications are developed over the
telephone without adequate notes.
Finding the perfect program for your web site's needs can
be as easy as stopping by the Master Series of CGI programs
and picking up your free copy of Master Feedback. Or, it
can be as challenging as requesting bids from one or more
professional programmers.
It is rare that I receive a request for something
impossible to program. If you can think it, it can
probably be done.
We wish you well in your research.
Question:
Did you find this article interesting and understandable? How can it be improved?
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When done typing, click anywhere outside the box. [more info]
Will Bontrager
©2001 Bontrager Connection, LLC
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