CFiles doesn't require any extraordinary features other than a MySQL server. Perl file operations can be very system intensive and for that reason an SQL database system like MySQL is a much better option for file intensive programs like database applications. It's a better solution from the end user's point of view because data retrieval is much faster. It's also much better from a webhost's point of view, because a specialised database system like MySQL can lower the system load dramatically. This might be an argument you can use with your webhost if they do not offer an SQL database solution. We consider an SQL solution like MySQL should be standard fare for any webhost that offers a cgi-bin.

The perl modules used are very standard and could almost be considered part of perl, so widespread is their use. If your host doesn't have these modules installed (and setup.cgi will warn you) then CFiles just won't work. If you do have a problem with a module, please post your experiences to the CFiles Support Forums. If we get enough problems with a given module we will look at another solution.