How does Ebay do it?

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How does Ebay do it?

Include Files?

MichaelJohns

8:20 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

I've got a question that I haven't been able to figure out.... how does Ebay allows its auction users to post their website INLINE with the auction?

Is this some kind of include file? I didn't think include files could be used across domains, only on the same server?

Or, do users upload an HTML file to Ebay's server?

I have never put up an auction at Ebay so any insight would be appreciated.

- MJohns

sun818

8:36 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

What do you mean INLINE? Some sellers subscribe to a service that loads a Java applet that displays their other eBay items for sale. Sort of like the "related items" on Amazon. Other than JavaScript, you can include style sheets to change the appearance of your auction. I also see JavaScript from time to time, but not sure how they do that.

MichaelJohns

10:17 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

This is what I mean:

http*//cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1870967773

Notice the person selling has placed his website content INLINE with the auction page.

Anyone know how this is done?

I don't think this is a java applet.

[edited by: DaveAtIFG at 2:56 pm (utc) on Oct. 24, 2002]
[edit reason] Delinked [/edit]

Dreamquick

10:22 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

Assuming you are talking about everything which falls under the description header, I don't think thats an include - just a bunch of HTML which the seller has specified - if you are in doubt then view the source.

Although you see this level of work often, if I were selling a $32k item then I'd sure put a lot of work into the advert - wouldn't you?

- Tony

MichaelJohns

10:34 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

If you notice, the part I am talking about is enclosed in these tags...

So this isn't just an extensive HTML page that the seller is providing. If it was an include file of some sort it wouldn't show in the source code.

Ebay uses XML so I was wondering if it was some sort of XML feed.

I guess it be easier if I posted an auction to find out just how they do it from a user perspective.

Anyone else care to guess?

sun818

10:56 pm on Oct 23, 2002 (gmt 0)

Those tag you mention, , is generated by the eBay server. If you examine the HTML, you will see your tag come before and after the seller's tag. It might be used to easily parse the seller's description when they want to revise their description. Search for <html> and </html> and you'll see where the seller description starts and ends.

Dreamquick is right... its just a bunch of HTML.

If you already have an inventory in a database, it is possible to convert that data into a format that dozens of auction posting software can use, typically Microsoft Access.