MacHTTP was the first Macintosh-based WWW server to become available. It is extremely easy to set up and configure. In fact, it is so easy it works "straight out of the box." MacHTTP requires System 7 to support advanced features like AppleScript. MacHTTP runs on Macintosh II-type computers (e.g., Macintosh IIci, SE/30, LC, Centris, and Quadra computers). It does not run on low-end Macintoshes based on the Motorola 68000 microprocessor (e.g., Macintosh Plus, SE, and PowerBook 100 computers).
MacHTTP supports common gateway scripts (CGIs) as well as specialized CGI scripts called "asynchronous" CGIs or ACGIs. ACGIs are written exactly like CGI program except they are handled asynchronously with the server application. This allows the server to process other requests for files or information and allows some processing time for the ACGI application.
MacHTTP takes extreme advantage of AppleEvents. In this regard is it completely AppleScriptable and recordable; all of its menu options are available via documented AppleEvents.
MacHTTP is very well documented and supported. It comes with extensive documentation and tutorial files well worth your reading. The scripts demonstrating how to take advantage of MacHTTP's AppleScript interface and custom AppleEvents have been the model for many Macintosh-based CGI/ACGI scripts.
MacHTTP has been superseded by WebSTAR, a product marketed by StarNine. In short, WebStar is really MacHTTP on steroids since WebSTAR supports a number of features not included in MacHTTP. For example, WebSTAR sports the Macintosh Thread Manager meaning WebSTAR can perform internal multitasking allowing it to process more requests more efficiently. Additionally, WebSTAR supports pre- and post-processing of requests so particular server-side functions can take place before or after requests have been handled. Last, WebSTAR supports a feature called "actions" enhancing the server's ability to handle scripts.
While MacHTTP is not longer being improved upon, it is still an excellent program. If you can not afford WebSTAR, then MacHTTP is definitely the way to go.
Eric last edited this page on September 26, 1995. Please feel free to send comments.