how to automate logins into password protected sites

coontie has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hello, all. There're data files that are periodically posted on client's website. The page is password protected with the standard username|password boxes inside the page itself (meaning, it's NOT a popup box a la .htaccess directive). Similar to how hotmail/gmail/ny times/amazon login works. What's the best way to automate login into sites like these? Is there a pkg already out there that does that? Thank you.

Comment on how to automate logins into password protected sites

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: how to automate logins into password protected sites by Corion (Patriarch) on Nov 08, 2005 at 16:40 UTC
You want to look into WWW::Mechanize, which makes automating complex website interactions much easier. Also useful might be HTTP::Recorder or my own module, WWW::Mechanize::Shell, which both allow you to interact with the website in a different way and produce a Perl script that replays your actions again.	[reply]
Re: how to automate logins into password protected sites by marto (Cardinal) on Nov 08, 2005 at 16:39 UTC
Hi coontie, Take a look at the WWW::Mechanize module. The documentation covers filling in and submitting forms on webpages. This has been covered many times in the past. A Super Search before posting never goes a miss. Hope this helps. Martin	[reply]
Re: how to automate logins into password protected sites by Fletch (Bishop) on Nov 08, 2005 at 16:40 UTC
WWW::Mechanize	[reply]