microchip tcpip stack pic32 .cgi file

[paul__b]

I am working with a pic32 ethernet starter kit. I have the TCPIP "Demo App" in microchip solutions v2013-06-15 compiled and working OK but a thing I don't understand is the .cgi file in the demo example.

AN1107 explains the CGI and the %xx string and that has also been referred to on the mchip forum, but the CGI in the example I am looking at does not contain the %xx string.
One discussion mentioned the CGI containing un-important dummy data.
I have found that dynamic variables put in the CGI file are picked up by the MPFS utility and will appear in the auto generated
HTTPPrint.h file, (provided the HTTPPrint.idx file has been deleted before running MPFS utility). However the function call generated
for unused dynamic variables in the CGI file does not seem to serve any purpose and I can delete it in the HTTPPrint.h file and
the server and client still work fine. However the CGI file must exist, must have a filename associated with the server/client GET data link and must have a dynamic variable (that does not need to be used) which gets picked up by the MPFS utility otherwise the client/server GET method does not work. The GET method stops working after I have recompiled and flashed the uP without a .cgi file, even if I dont re-load the web page, so it does not actually seem to be the .cgi file used on the client side that is important, it is a question of how it influences the compiled code.
Apart from the important important file name and important unused dynamic variable the .cgi can contain any rubbish.
It seems that the .cgi is necessary to make the stack aware of the GET method, but I can't find I can't find a consistent explanation anywhere.
Does anyone understand how the microchip .cgi is used (I dont think this has much in connection with the .cgi in a normal
server client system).
I would like to post this on the mchip forum but I can't find how to get a ticket. I asked on an dead thread about cgi but no response.
Anyone know how to get mchip ticket ?

 

[FvM]

*.cgi files don't play an important role in the HTTP2 server operation. To understand the implemented dynamic variable concept, you should review the HTTP2 server chapter in the TCP/IP stack help.

Support tickets can be created at microchip.com/support after registering. If I understand right, you are essentially asking for documentation clarification regarding web demo application. This is rather a forum than a support topic, I think.

 

[paul__b]

*.cgi files don't play an important role in the HTTP2 server operation. To understand the implemented dynamic variable concept, you should review the HTTP2 server chapter in the TCP/IP stack help.

Support tickets can be created at microchip.com/support after registering. If I understand right, you are essentially asking for documentation clarification regarding web demo application. This is rather a forum than a support topic, I think.

Thanks FvM I scanned through that chapter and searched the whole document for cgi file but could not find anything to explain cgi relating to my question. cgi gets mentioned in connection with dynamic variables in web pages, but this is not the issue I am concerned with, I am concerned with how the cgi file is connected with transmission from client to server, the GET method in my case. If the cgi is not present this does not work.

Re the microchip forum - I don't understand how it works, I just wanted to start a new thread but can't find how to do this and thought a ticket is what I need I understand from from your reply, this is for support. Anyone know how to start a new thread ? I spent a while trying to find my way arround it - probably just me being blind.
Paul

 

[FvM]

*.cgi is one way to connect dynamic variable, mostly it's done in html pages.

To start a new thread in Microchip forum, use the "Post New Thread" button.

 

[paul__b]

*.cgi is one way to connect dynamic variable, mostly it's done in html pages.

To start a new thread in Microchip forum, use the "Post New Thread" button.

All the stuff about cgi seems to be related to dynamic variables and I assume by this people mean variables etc on the web page that are controlled by the server.

In the particular example I am looking at I have chopped out a load of stuff to simplify what is going on so i can understand it but left the basic code and functionality same. all the data sent server to client is done using TCPPut via a .xml file and this works even if the .cgi file is not present.

But the GET method client to server does not work without the .cgi file, I have discovered trial and error what is needed for the cgi as I explained but have not managed to reverse engineer the stack enough to find out what is going on, would be good to have it explained.

On the mchip forum I have trawled through all the menus but can't seem to find "Post New Thread" it must be me, obvously other people find it, could you say the path to it.
Thanks for help.

 

[FvM]

On the top left of each forum...

 

[paul__b]

Thanks FvM much appreciated. And the picture was proof of its existance! , sometimes it is not there - eg after doing a search.
I have posted a question.
Paul