Agreed. That said, typically though, someone producing a real API will have a version number associated with it (v1, v2 etc). If you're not getting JSON, XML or some other form of structured data, or you're having to change code due to undocumented or unannounced changes made by the site in question, they suck. Period.

This problem is not related to Perl even... this is across the board. If there's an API, keep it consistent, and don't make major changes without a bump in revision. If you're attempting to offer up data, document it. Do not randomly change stuff. If you're a user of a site that does not have a documented data format or a documented API, bitch at them, or go with a different site.


In reply to Re^5: Scraping an ASP form I don't have any control over by stevieb
in thread Scraping an ASP form I don't have any control over by wveagle81

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