---
type: web-page
title: What is Common Gateway Interface (CGI)? - Designing a Website - Beginner's Guide | Website.com
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canonical: https://www.website.com/beginnerguide/designwebsite/2/3/what-is-common-gateway-interface-(cgi)?.ws
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timestamp: 2026-08-18T21:07:02Z
---

## Designing a Website

What is Common Gateway Interface (CGI)?

CGI is a method used to exchange data between the server and the web browser. CGI is a set of standards where a program or script can send data back to the web server where it can be processed. 
 
Common uses of CGI include:

- Guestbooks
- Email Forms
- Mailing List Maintenance
- Blogs