---
title: "What is CGI?"
description: "CGI stands for common gateway interface. When you log into file manager in cPanel for the first time, you'll notice a folder in your Public_html folder called your \"cgi-bin\". CGI in the most basic of..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/what-is-cgi/
date: 2011-10-17
modified: 2020-01-02
author: "Carrie Smaha"
categories: ["Website"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# What is CGI?

CGI stands for common gateway interface. When you log into file manager in cPanel for the first time, you’ll notice a folder in your Public_html folder called your “cgi-bin”. CGI in the most basic of terms is a way that the webserver communicated information to a CGI program. The cgi-bin folder is where you will store the scripts such as Perl (.pl) that your website will use. 

If your website contains a form for your visitors to fill out created directly from code, then it’s likely this form will be handled with a script placed in the **CGI-bin** folder. If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, then your forms are mostly being created through a plugin or built-in functionality. Consult with your documentation in order to learn more about to create your form. If you would like more information on using a form on your website please see our link:[ How Contact Forms Work](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/how-contact-forms-work/). You can also learn how to create forms using a script like [FormMail](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/email/creating-a-contact-form-with-formmail/).