Summary

    In this chapter, network analyzers were demonstrated. A network analyzer shows exactly what data is being exchanged between a web server and a web browser. There are many different network analyzers to choose from. The network analyzer that will be used by this book is WireShark. WireShark was formerly known as Ethereal.

    Cookies allow a web browser to maintain a state. Values can be attached to a web browser, which the web browser will return with each request. Chapter 8 will cover cookies in much greater detail. Using a network analyzer, it can be quickly determined how a web server using cookies.

    Forms allow a web browser to receive input from the user. Forms are a very important part of most web sites. Chapter 7, “Responding to Forms” discusses forms in much greater detail. Using a network analyzer, it can quickly be determined how a web server is making use of HTML forms.

    Now that HTTP packets have been covered, it is time to begin writing HTTP applications. The next chapter will show how to create HTTP programs, or bots, that can perform simple requests of web sites.