Random Text Script Download

Quick Start Guide

1. Download either the .tar.gz or .zip archive
2. Extract the archive contents to your server
3. Upload rand_text.pl to your cgi-bin directory
4. Upload quotes.txt to a web-accessible directory
5. Set permissions: chmod 755 rand_text.pl
6. Edit rand_text.pl to set the path to your text file
7. Add to your .shtml pages: <!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl"-->
8. Test and enjoy random quotes on your site!

Configuration

Edit the following variables in rand_text.pl:

$textfile = "/path/to/quotes.txt";  # Path to your text file
$separator = "%%";                   # Separator between quotes

Creating Your Text File

Format your text file with quotes separated by %% on its own line:

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs
%%
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. - Steve Jobs
%%
Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life. - Steve Jobs
%%
Stay hungry, stay foolish. - Steve Jobs

Basic Usage (SSI)

<!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl"-->

With Custom Styling

<div class="quote-of-the-day">
    <!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl"-->
</div>

<style>
.quote-of-the-day {
    font-style: italic;
    padding: 15px;
    border-left: 4px solid #007bff;
    background: #f8f9fa;
    margin: 20px 0;
}
</style>

Multiple Text Files

Pass the filename as a query parameter:

<!-- Display random quote -->
<!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl?file=quotes.txt"-->

<!-- Display random tip -->
<!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl?file=tips.txt"-->

<!-- Display random testimonial -->
<!--#exec cgi="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl?file=testimonials.txt"-->

As JavaScript Include (Alternative)

<script src="/cgi-bin/rand_text.pl"></script>

Requires modifying the script to output JavaScript instead of HTML.