constellette

express path

Skip to the "HTTPWidget operation" section.

prelude

The operation of HTTPWidget described below contains the structure of the request and response from the RSWGame server. You can use these parameters with any other tool that makes HTTP requests. See the list below.

introduction

I like to know how many players have not yet submitted orders. If I've already sent in my orders, this number gives me a rough idea of when the next turn might run. If I haven't sent in my orders and the number reaches 1, I know the turn is waiting for me. There's no legal requirement to finish the turn before the due date, but I like this motivation.

I thought about making an iPhone widget to show the game status. I might still make an app, but there are already apps that can display the information in a widget.

HTTPWidget operation

HTTPWidget is a free app that works on iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS. The app can make a request to the RSWGame server, parse the response, and display the result in a widget on your home screen.

1. Get the app called HTTPWidget: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/httpwidget/id6447097633
2. Create a new widget and enter the following fields:
   • in the HTTP BASIC section
   • URL: https://rswgame.com/xml
   • HTTP Method: POST
   • Request Body: Raw
   • Raw Body:

   <?xml version='1.0'?>
   <request command='list'>
       <parameter keyword='accountId' value='YourAccountID' />
       <parameter keyword='password' value='YourPassword' />
       <parameter keyword='onlyMine' value='true' />
       <parameter keyword='format' value='xml' />
   </request>

   • in the RESPONSE EXTRACT section
   • Extract by: Regex
   • Regex String:

   gameID="YourGameID".*numWaitingFor="(\d+)"
   

Now press the Send Request button in the RESPONSE section. If everything worked, the Extracted: line in the RESPONSE EXTRACT section should show the number of players yet to submit orders.

include the basic example of the response so the regex makes sense, and so that other tools might be used.

other apps

Any app that can send an HTTP request and format the output can use the techniques documented here.

requirements

• Send a POST request to the RSWGame server.
  • POST is required for sending user name and password.
• Parse the XML result.
• display the result somewhere useful.
• Don't spam the server with simultaneous requests.

platforms & apps

• iOS
  • HTTPWidget
  • Backend widget?
• MacOS
  • HTTPWidget
  • other iOS/iPadOS apps via Mac Catalyst
• Android
  • HTTP Request Shortcuts?
  • HTTP Request Widget?
• Windows
  • WinWidgets? Rainmeter?
• Linux
  • Conky? Eww? Screenlets?
• browser extensions
• variations: menu bar, desktop