Simple Tutorial for a WWW Interface



On the Diffraction Group WWW pages you will find a number of examples of old "command-line" programs using a WWW graphic user interface. It is often quite easy to make such an interface; here I give a trivial example taken from a seminar I presented on this subject with Didier Richard.

Why use WWW as an interface ?

1) Programs remain on local computers - easy to update 2) Programs run on any computer - Mac, PC, Unix... 3) User-friendly GUI & on-line help - modernise old pgms. 4) Controlled user access - firewall not necessary.

What programs work with WWW ?

1) Programs that use data files. 2) Programs that use a CLI -Command Line Interface. 3) Programs that use Command Line Parameters 4) Any combination of the above.

What programs DO NOT work with WWW ?

1) Programs that use an INTEGRATED GUI (& no CLI). 2) Spagetti coded CLI - random questions to the user. ........... Because they will not accept packaged input.

What do I have to do to make it work ?