Best method for Website Automation?

Question

Let me rephrase the question...

Here's the scenario: As an insurance agent you are constantly working with multiple insurance websites. For each website I need to login and pull up a client. I am looking to automate this process.

I currently have a solution built for iMacros but that requires a download/installation.

I'm looking for a solution using the .NET framework that will allow the user to provide their login credentials and information about a client and I will be able to automate this process for them.

This will involve knowledge of each specific website which is fine, I will have all of that information.

I would like for this process to be able to happen in the background and then launch the website to the user once the action is performed.

Answer 1

You could try the following tools:

• StoryTestIQ
• Selenium
• Watir
• Windmill Testing Framework
• Visual Studio Web Tests

They are automated testing tools/frameworks that allow you to write automated tests from a UI perspective and verify the results.

Answer 2

Use Watin. It's an open source .NET library to automate IE and Firefox. It's a lot easier than manipulating raw HTTP requests or hacking the WebBrowser control to do what you want, and you can run it from a console app or service, since you mentioned this wouldn't be a WinForms app.

You can also make the browser window invisible if needed, since you mentioned only showing this to the user at a certain point.

Answer 3

I've done this in the past using the WebBrowser control inside a winforms app that i execute on the server. The WebBrowser control will allow you to access the html elements on the page, input information, click buttons/links, etc. It should allow you to accomplish your goal.

There are ways to do this without the WebBrowser control, look at the HTML Agility Pack.