It does not make sense to spend a lot of effort learning how to write Web applications and dealing with NLS translation, parsing of input data, encoding of output data, researching the CGI protocol, etc. Optimally, a user would separate presentation by using Net. Data and then calling an application that handles user-input for things that a compiled program could do faster than Net. Data such as accessing databases. In some cases you do not need to call an application, thus Net.
Data can do it all.
Today with the Internet, WWW means Worldwide Web . We must learn to accommodate a shrinking planet and support new customers from international, non-traditional markets. We must work with international suppliers and vendors. When dealing with CGI, the IBM HTTP Server provides a series of API s to deal with the complexities of CGI programming, but you still have to learn the protocol, understand how the web server and browsers communicate. You must understand how data and parameters are passed between the browser and the server.