Using XML Web Services in Traditional ASP

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There are a lot of services out on the web now (such as Flickr and Digg) that allow developers access to their data over an API and web service. Most of this data is available to everyone as long as they have registered with the service and have a valid API key. This article will explain how to put this data to use in your own applications.

Background 

The data that the services offer is normally XML, sent over an HTTP connection. This means that by using your web-based applications, you can leverage the power of these services into your own applications, or create one that does a job the service does not currently offer.

This is very good for both the company providing the service and the end user. The company gets lots of good press for opening up their services and attracts people to use them for different purposes. Users can take an existing, reliable service and mold there own applications around the existing framework.

In the article we are going to access data from Flickr.com, the photo sharing web site. We are going to create a web picture gallery based on data that Flickr.com provides users with. The script is going to be written in traditional ASP, but the main focus of the article will be formatting the data from Flickr using an XSL file.

Getting Started

Before starting, you will first need to have an account on Flickr.com with some pictures in a set. You will also need an API key. To apply for a key, go to http://www.flickr.com/services/api/keys/apply/ and fill in the form; they will then email you details. Once you have your key, we are ready to start.

Next: Looking at the XML >>
 

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