metacard for CGI

[Richard MacLemale]

> Subject: metacard for CGI
> Reply-To: metacard at lists.runrev.com
> 
> I am putting together some documentation regarding the use of
> metatalk/rev for CGI scripts and I wanted to ask the list for some
> feedback:
> 
> -how many of you are currently using metatalk/rev for CGI

I am...

> -the context(tasks performed) it is being used as well as the
> environment (production/tests/platform)

I use Darwin mc running on both OS X client and OS X Server to do the
following tasks for teachers & myself...

1.  Darwin mc works with FileMaker Pro and AppleScript to automatically add
new students pulled from our district FMP server into our Macintosh Manager
2/OS X Server network.  New student accounts are created and home
directories are created with proper permissions and ownership.

2.  Darwin mc generates a web page form which can be used to add new users
to the network manually.

3.  Darwin mc lets teachers update their mailing list membership via a
custom generated web page.

4.  Darwin mc lets teachers create their own web pages from a template web
page.

5.  Darwin mc lets teachers look up student demographic and scheduling
information via a password protected web page.

> -the approximate amount of traffic handled by the CGIs

Traffic is pretty small.  We have over 100 staff members, but one copy of
Darwin mc handles everything above with no problem.  Darwin mc can process
the above requests extremely quickly.

> -your location (if this is sensitive in any way, please send it to me
> off the list, I only need this info for statistics)

High school with 1800 students.

> -if any of you are using other script languages for CGI (PHP, ASP, etc.)
> I'd appreciate some feedback as to how does metatalk/rev compare in
> terms of productivity/performance with the other language(s)

I have some students using PHP on our school web site but I'm not using it
myself.  There's no point in learning PHP because I know MetaTalk!  :)

> -the main disadvantage you see in using metatalk/rev for CGI scripting
> *besides some difficulty with debugging*

The biggest disadvantage is that no one has ever heard of it, and so you
have to explain to people what it is and what it does.  And that's not a
huge disadvantage when you are the network admin, but it's probably no fun
when you are at the mercy on an internet provider.

And debugging is a pain in the butt.  :)

:)
Richard MacLemale
Instructional Technology Specialist
James W. Mitchell High School
http://mitchellonline.pasco.k12.fl.us