Hi there

A friend of mine has put forward a question to me, is it possible to have a webpage built that will search users queries in another website eg: I build a webpage selling Number Plates that searches availability on DVLA site then returns the results on our webpage? Also, is it legal, seeing as the purchase will be made through the DVLA?

Thanks

"is it possible to have a webpage built that will search users queries in another website"

Yes, it is possible. The site *may* have a web service that allows you to do this (e.g. you send a request with the search parameters and the web service returns the results). If it doesn't, you could use a technique called "screen scraping". Basically you programming sends a request as if you were on their site and entered the search criteria. The response (HTML page) is interpreted by the programming and it pulls out the data you want.

There are a few problems with screen scraping. 1) If the site changes the method in which it displays search results it will most likely break your page and you will have to go back and recode. 2) There are ways for sites to prevent others from screen scraping their sites. 3) Legality. I'm not 100% sure, but depending upon where you live and the terms of the DVLA site it could be illegal.

If the actual sales will be done through their site you could ask them about this. If they don't already have a web service, they may create one if they feel it would benefit them. Or, you could at least ask for permission to screen scrape their site.

Michael J

Fantastic - many thanks for such a great answer