Python is a clear and powerful object-oriented programming language, comparable to Perl, Ruby, Scheme, or Java. Some of Python's notable features: Uses an elegant syntax, making the programs you write easier to read. A CGI script is any program that runs on a web server. Figure: The Common Gateway Interface. Why CGI Scripts. CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface. CGI defines a standard way in which information may be passed to and from the browser and server. Apache2 Web Server. Apache is the most commonly used Web server on Linux systems. Web servers are used to serve Web pages requested by client computers. Clients typically request and view Web pages using Web browser applications such as Firefox, Opera, Chromium, or Internet Explorer.