Build Your Own Sherlock Plug-in!

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Build Your Own Plug-in!

If you've ever wondered why no one has written a Sherlock plug-in for your favorite web site, wonder no longer: Just create one yourself!

While nobody has a released a program that automatically generates a complete Sherlock plug-in, I've written a little AppleScript, called "issp_builder" that helps to streamline the plug-in building process: Click here to download the package, or continue reading on.

Building a Sherlock plug-in can often be an exercise of patience, and it's not possible to create a plug-in for every web site: However, the plug-in you create is yours to keep, and even share if you're feeling generous!

issp_builder -- Makes building a Sherlock Plug-in easier!

What Does it Do?

The program issp_builder is an AppleScript "droplet". When you drag-and-drop an HTML file onto it, the program will look for any search form(s) in the file, and create a separate Sherlock plug-in for each form found.

The program "issp_builder":

Requires you to be familiar with how Sherlock plug-ins are built.

Only helps you create a plug-in: It can't create one completely by itself.

Leaves your original HTML file untouched.

Works only with text files.

Requires AppleScript.

[download the program]
[download the Tutorial]

How Does it Work?

The program examines all HTML tags found in the file. If a <FORM> tag is found, the program checks if:

The form uses a method of GET, POST, or LDAP.
An <INPUT> tag is used for each input required by the form.
Any <SELECT> tags use <OPTION> for each possible selection offered.
The form ends with a </FORM> tag.
If these conditions are met, it builds a plug-in file from the form.

A separate plug-in is made for each valid <FORM> found.

[download the program]
[download the Tutorial]

Download it Here!

What's in the Download?

The "issp_builder" AppleScript.

A Readme file with instructions for using the program & links to helpful info.

A "example" folder containing files generated from using the program.

[download the program]
[download the Tutorial]

Want More Info?

Before you Download:
Here's a quick example of what it does.

After you Download:
Read the Step-by-Step Tutorial!
[...or download it]

Disclaimer: These plug-ins and any associated programs at this website have been provided to make your searching with Sherlock more convenient & productive. While they have been thoroughly tested & work just fine on my Macintosh, they are provided "as is" without warranty or remedy of any kind: You assume any risks in using this software, and are solely responsible for any outcome resulting from such use. Unless explicitly stated, these plug-ins were created solely by the Author through direct examination & use of the websites mentioned, and are neither endorsed nor supported by Apple Computer or the specific websites they are designed to work with.

Copyright: While this information is available free of charge, it is not in the public domain. Plug-ins may be distributed provided the entire folder of information is distributed without alteration. If you would like to distribute them in a collection, CD-ROM or by other mass duplication means, contact me for permission. Thanks.

Questions? Comments? Plug-ins? Contact me! I welcome any questions, comments, suggestions, plug-ins or links you may have.

Trademarks:

Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Made on a Mac Badge is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., used with permission.

Any other trademarks, service marks, or icons mentioned/shown in this document are the property of their respective owners, and it is not the intention of this site to dilute or compromise such marks: Contact me if you wish your mark to be acknowledged or removed from this site.

(You know what they say about idle hands...)