View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. What Is
April 19, 2017updated 27 Oct 2023 6:09am

What is CGI?

Find out what CGI is.

By James Nunns

A Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a standard for web servers to interface with executable programs that are installed on a server and designed to generate web pages dynamically.

These programs are known as CGI scripts and are usually written with a scripting language, however, they can be written in any programming language.

CGI also coming refers to Computer-generated imagery, this is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, videos, and simulators.

What did the evolution of CGI lead to?

Visual scenes can be dynamic or static and can be two-dimensional or three dimensional.

The term ‘CGI animation’ refers to dynamic CGI rendered as a movie, this is now a common method that movies use in order to create scenes that would not be possible otherwise.

The evolution of CGI led to the emergence of virtual cinematography in the 1990s where runs of the simulated camera are not constrained by the laws of physics.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU