I'm not satisfied with the various response-bots I've seen, so I've decided to make my own. I'm relatively well versed in Access and VBA, but this app involves something I've never really done before, namely interacting with another program. Most all my previous aps have been pretty much standalone, so I'd appreciate any help or suggestions anyone has to offer here.
Here's my plan: Create a database app that lets the user create automated responses to AOL IM messages. For example, if an IM message says "hi", the database would automatically be queried for a corresponding response such as "hi yourself". A more complex bot would be able to recognize keywords in the message or read the screenname of the person sending the message and concatenate a more relevant reply such as "hi AOLuser, no I'm not busy". The database part of it is a snap, but its the interacting with the IM that I'm a little lost with.
Here's some of the things I need to be able to do:
1. Recognize when a new message has appeared in an open IM window (note: might not be active or "on top" window at the time, and might be among multiple open IMs too),
2. Be able to read the message and the screenname of the person sending it
3. Be able to write the response to the correct IM window (if more than one open)
4. Initate a "send" command for the IM
The above could also be performed with any IM service (such as MSN), but I use AOL mostly myself. To make it easy, I'm limiting myself for now to already open IM windows, and not worrying about new windows popping up.
OK, any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Here's my plan: Create a database app that lets the user create automated responses to AOL IM messages. For example, if an IM message says "hi", the database would automatically be queried for a corresponding response such as "hi yourself". A more complex bot would be able to recognize keywords in the message or read the screenname of the person sending the message and concatenate a more relevant reply such as "hi AOLuser, no I'm not busy". The database part of it is a snap, but its the interacting with the IM that I'm a little lost with.
Here's some of the things I need to be able to do:
1. Recognize when a new message has appeared in an open IM window (note: might not be active or "on top" window at the time, and might be among multiple open IMs too),
2. Be able to read the message and the screenname of the person sending it
3. Be able to write the response to the correct IM window (if more than one open)
4. Initate a "send" command for the IM
The above could also be performed with any IM service (such as MSN), but I use AOL mostly myself. To make it easy, I'm limiting myself for now to already open IM windows, and not worrying about new windows popping up.
OK, any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
