FastCGIenabled

FastCGIenabled is a configuration directive used in web server software, most notably Apache HTTP Server, to control whether the FastCGI protocol is enabled for a particular virtual host or directory. FastCGI is a protocol for extending the functionality of web servers by allowing external programs, known as FastCGI applications, to communicate with the web server.

When FastCGIenabled is set to On, the web server will attempt to use FastCGI for processing requests for supported file types or paths. This typically involves passing requests to a pre-configured FastCGI process manager, which then dispatches them to the appropriate FastCGI application. This approach can offer performance benefits over traditional CGI (Common Gateway Interface) because FastCGI applications can be kept running in memory, avoiding the overhead of starting a new process for each request.

Conversely, setting FastCGIenabled to Off (or omitting the directive, as it is often Off by default) disables FastCGI processing for the scope in which it is set. This means the web server will fall back to other methods for handling requests, such as direct execution of CGI scripts or serving static files. The directive is usually found within the Apache configuration files, such as httpd.conf or within virtual host definitions. Proper configuration of FastCGIenabled is crucial for web applications that rely on FastCGI for efficient execution and for ensuring that the web server behaves as intended.