Free CGI Scripts Archive

Free CGI scripts for web developers. Modern implementations inspired by classic scripts from the early web era.

Archive Statistics

20+
Scripts
60+
FAQ Pages
12
Examples
7
Readme Files

Languages

Perl C++ JavaScript PHP
Last Updated: December 2025

Perl CGI Scripts

Core collection of classic CGI scripts for forms, guestbooks, and interactive features.

Guestbook

Perl v2.3.1

Allow visitors to sign your guestbook and leave messages on your website.

Released: Oct 1995 View Details

WWWBoard

Perl v2.0A2.1

Web discussion board and message forum for community interaction.

Patched: Jan 2000 View Details

Simple Search

Perl v1.0

Perform keyword searches across your web site content.

Released: Dec 1995 View Details

FormMail

Perl v1.6 Security Updated

Get the contents of any HTML form mailed directly to you.

Released: May 1997 View Details

Random Image Displayer

Perl v1.2

Randomly display image or background from a collection.

Released: Jul 1996 View Details

SSI Random Image

Perl v1.2

Random images with proper links and alt text using SSI.

Released: Sep 1996 View Details

Random Link Generator

Perl v1.0

Let visitors click to navigate to a random web page.

Released: Jul 1996 View Details

Animation

Perl v1.2 Legacy

Animate images using server push. Obsoleted by GIF89a.

Released: Dec 1995 View Details

Mailing Lists

Historical

Historical CGI/Perl discussion mailing lists and community.

Archive View Details

Counters & Statistics

Track visitors and display statistics on your website.

Graphical Hit Counter

Perl v1.1.1 Popular

Display visitor count with customizable digit images on your pages.

Released: 1996 View Details

Simple Text Counter

Perl v1.0

Lightweight text-based hit counter using SSI. Perfect for simple pages.

Released: 1996 View Details

TextClock

Perl v1.0.2

Display time and date in customizable text format on your web page.

Released: Jul 1996 View Details

Countdown Timer

Perl v1.2.1

Display time remaining until a certain event or target date.

Released: Oct 1995 View Details

Utilities & Libraries

Useful utilities, libraries, and helper scripts for web development.

HTTP Cookie Library

Perl v2.1 Library

Easily manage HTTP cookies in your Perl CGI scripts. Set, get, and delete cookies.

Released: 1997 View Details

Random Text Generator

Perl v1.0

Display random text, quotes, or messages from a list on each page load.

Released: 1996 View Details

Free For All Links

Perl v2.0

Let visitors add their own links to your site. Link directory management.

Released: 1996 View Details

Dano Perl Utilities

Perl Collection

Collection of useful Perl utilities and helper functions for web development.

Released: 1997 View Details

Credit Card Verifier

Perl v1.02

Verify credit card number syntax using Luhn algorithm before processing.

Released: Jul 1996 View Details

C++ CGI Programs

High-performance compiled CGI programs for maximum speed.

TextCounter (C++)

C++ v1.3

High-performance text-based visitor counter compiled as CGI binary.

Released: Mar 1997 View Details

TextClock (C++)

C++ v1.0.3

High-performance time and date display compiled as CGI binary.

Released: Mar 1997 View Details

Help & Resources

Documentation, examples, and support resources.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers about CGI scripts.

Help Center

Find out how to get help configuring and installing scripts.

Readme Files

Detailed installation and configuration instructions.

Demos

Working demonstrations of scripts in action.

Additional Resources

Code Snippets & Extras

Community & Downloads

Frequently Asked Questions

CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripts are programs that run on a web server to generate dynamic web content. They process user input from forms, interact with databases, send emails, and create customized responses. CGI scripts can be written in various languages including Perl, Python, PHP, and C++.

Yes, all scripts in this archive are free for personal and commercial use. We provide modern implementations inspired by classic CGI scripts. Please check individual script pages for specific license details.

Installation typically involves:

  1. Downloading the script files
  2. Uploading to your server's CGI-bin directory
  3. Setting correct file permissions (usually 755)
  4. Configuring script variables
  5. Testing the script

Each script page has detailed installation instructions specific to that script.

Most Perl scripts require:

  • Web server with CGI support (Apache, Nginx, etc.)
  • Perl 5.10 or higher
  • Sendmail or SMTP access for email scripts
  • Write permissions for data files

C++ programs need to be compiled for your server's operating system.

Our modern implementations include security improvements over the original scripts. We implement input validation, output encoding, and protection against common vulnerabilities like email header injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Always review security notes on individual script pages and keep your implementations updated.

No, this is a fan archive dedicated to preserving the legacy of classic CGI scripts. We provide new implementations inspired by the original concepts. This archive serves as an educational resource and tribute to the early web development era.

The original scripts had minor Y2K issues that were patched in December 1999. Our modern implementations use updated date handling that works correctly with current and future dates. Affected scripts included Countdown, Counter, Free for All Links, TextClock, TextCounter, and WWWBoard.

Yes! We welcome contributions including bug fixes, security improvements, new implementations, and documentation updates. Visit our community section to learn how to submit your improvements and share your script implementations.