[ILUG] Apache and database / text files

[Cormac McClean]

Hi,

I am looking into a project which involves Apache being able to communicate 
with datafiles, i.e. update, query, etc.  I am investigating the following
approaches:

1. Apache communicates with Oracle (or other) database, responds to browser 
requests to query database, returns data to browser, and updates database 
according to browser data.

2. Data is stored in text files (csv files), Apache queries and updates
text files via cgi scripts.

3. Open Source or Commercial package running on Unix/Linux which will do 
the above.

Based on your experience and expertise, which approach would you suggest?

If Apache can communicate with a database, which software would I use?

If cgi-scripts are to be used, could they be shell scripts, or would I need
to use perl? (currently don't know perl)

If third party software is used, how much configuration would be required?

I am following a direct line of enquiry myself (e.g. O'Reilly's Apache 
book, Linux Programming texts) but if anyone could suggest other texts
that would be useful it would be appreciated (it's about time I gave
myself a present of another Linux book!).

Currently running Apache on RH Linux 6.1, also have access to SuSe 6.3 
(running happily at home, must use it to replace Red Hat 6.1 at work) 
and also could use a Unix-based solution.

Many thanks,
Cormac.