Script to search other websites

[LMAC]

Please forgive any mistakes in format, this is my first thread.

I work for a nonprofit organization that is in the process of creating a website. We would like to add a script to our site that will search book databases such as Amazon and Barnes and Nobel to give us real time prices. Something like what the www.Textbookhound.com website offers.

Is there a PHP script (preferably free) that will perform such a function? Is PHP the best script language for this type of function? Thank you in advance!

Dick Summers

[LordShryku]

Well, the site you referenced was written in PHP, so I'd say yes, it can be done. But I don't think you are going to just find the scripts for this online. It's definately going to have to be a custom job. You'll need to research the sites you are going to be comparing prices from. Some of them will offer XML pulls (I remember hearing Amazon did this). Some you will be able to post POST info to, so may let you use sockets, etc...

You could also contact the site you referenced, and see if they will share some code, or maybe let you connect to their search..

[LMAC]

Thank you for the info.

Next question: So where can I find somebody to hire to do this work? (And apoximately what should it cost?)

Thanks!

[LordShryku]

Take a look at this thread http://www.phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10207126