Performing an HTTP "POST" request

[jasonwood]

I occasionally use the "Open URL" script step to submit a "GET" request from FileMaker, for example, to determine the shipping cost with canada post given the postal code, weight and dimensions.

For example, here is a URL I created with a calculation field:

http://www.canadapost.ca/scripts/RateNew.dll?MfcIsApiCommand=ParcelRate&language=english&service=Small+Bus&referrer=CPCBus&rateType=serv&choice=All+Services&when=urgent&srccode=L6J6M1&destcode=V2X3N6&type=Parcel&weight=1&wtoption=kg&length=49&width=32&depth=15&dimension=cm&insurance=

Now the problem...

I want to be able to look up a postal code to be sure the street name matches, but this particular form at Canada Post only supports POST, so that rules out using Open URL.

Is there any way for me to submit a POST request?

[DanBrill]

The Troi URL plug in should be able to do this. However, I've never been able to make it work in POST method, only GET method. They have an example of POST working, but I can't replicate it. I've heard of others with this problem.

I don't know if this helps, but at least you have more info.

Dan

[DanBrill]

Just a thought, but you could use GET to send the data from FM to a web form you set up on your own web site, process it with a cgi in Perl or something, and then pass it on again to the final destination using POST. No plugin needed this way.

Dan

[jasonwood]

That plugin looks pretty sweet... too bad it doesn't work in 7... but I'm sure it won't be long.

Thanks for the other idea. not terribly elegant but it looks like it might do the trick.

[DanBrill]

Hey Jason,

Actually the site says that it probably works with 7 anyway, but they haven't really gone in there and made sure it is 100% compatible.

I tested it with 7 and it seems to work fine.

Dan

[fmplugin]

FMWebschool has a plug-in that works with 6 and 7, it's at:

http://www.fmwebschool.com/fmweburl.htm

It allows you to use http and https