Looking for a script...
polycounter lvl 18
For some reason, I always tend to want to do things that are... how shall we say... unorthodox. So, here's the deal. Say there's this web page that I'm looking at. There is a number on the page that very rarely changes, but when it does, I want to know about it immediately. So, I'm looking for a script or a program or SOMETHING that will refresh the page every five minutes and alert me, somehow (preferably by e-mail, IM, or text message on my phone) when it does.
There are two ways I was considering going about this. The best way, I think, is to leave it running on my computer at home, then have it e-mail me at work when the number changes. I was also considering keeping the browser window hidden, then popping up when the change occurs, but I like the first way better.
So, any ideas for how one might go about doing this? I've been looking through Firefox extensions for the last two days, and haven't found anything useful. Thanks much!!
There are two ways I was considering going about this. The best way, I think, is to leave it running on my computer at home, then have it e-mail me at work when the number changes. I was also considering keeping the browser window hidden, then popping up when the change occurs, but I like the first way better.
So, any ideas for how one might go about doing this? I've been looking through Firefox extensions for the last two days, and haven't found anything useful. Thanks much!!
Replies
From what I gather, this webpage is'nt owned or maintained by you? You would need something less then basic implemented.
The web host will have to be running an smtp accesable service, or CDONTS mail service, to be able to send an email to yourself. You can get around that, but it would expose the code to the casual 'view source' visitor.
You can email me if you want, or discuss it here.
mattcrawford AT comcast.net
To illustrate, I'll use this board as an example. Say this thread currently has three replies. The number "3" is clearly displayed next to the thread on the main forum page. The script/program would periodically (every fifteen minutes, say) refresh that main forum page. When the 3 next to this particular thread changes to a 4 (or a 2 if someone deletes a post), the script generates an e-mail using my default mail client or some other small mail handler (I used to use one in NT, but I don't remember what it was).
More clear? Thanks!!
/me = code-incompentent
It can be done is the short answer, but it would be dependant on what site your getting the data from, and if the data would always be located in the same exact place. If I get bored I'll see if I can throw something together for you in vbscript. I'll make it easy to edit, so you can alter it as you wish. Don't expect it in a day, but maybe on monday.
If it's a messageboard site, my warning is that, when a new post is made the whole topic moves to the top. That would break the script, as the location of the item would change. Also looking at these boards, you can go directly to a topic, but total posts does'nt seem to be listed.
It would help if you sent me the page and data you wanted.