[prog] Writting a program to automatically fetch webpages, and fill in forms.

[Jacinta Richardson]

Sue Stones wrote:
> 
> I want to write a program (an Expert System) that includes the 
> functionality of going to web pages, using specialty search engines on 
> their databases, fill in forms, receive the results.  I want to do this 
> without displaying anything mostly, but with further action of the 
> expert system based on the results.
> 
> I have so far failed to find any information on how to do this, although 
> there are lots of "form fillers" available, so presumably its quite 
> possible.
> 
> Do you have any ideas on how to do this, or know of any information on 
> this (web links or books etc)?  WHat do I need to consider?

It depends a little on what tools you know.  Perl's LWP library and it's friends 
will probably make this very easy.  In particular look at the Mechaniser library.

All the best,

    Jacinta

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