Forms and Scripting

What is a form? (simple definition)

A form is a Web page that allows the end user to provide input. Forms are often processed by scripts.

What is a script? (simple definition)

A script is a program, usually written in C or Perl, which provides the back end to a form or helps in creating dynamic content.

I'm not a programmer, what can I do?

To have your form processed and the results e-mailed to you, your quickest option would be to use "maildata.cgi". This requires the NUInfo system administrator to add your destination address for e-mail, to a configuration file on the server. This is only for Northwestern-affiliated departments and organizations.

This script sends mail in a very generic form; there are no options to customize the output, but one configuration can be used for several forms.

To discuss configuring this script, e-mail webmaster@northwestern.edu.

University Relations
Web Communications