What is multipart form data?  How to handle it with WinHTTPrequest
Channel: AUTOHOTKEY Gurus
Date: 2021-06-11

Today we discuss what is multipart form data, when it is used, and the types of API calls it will be needed form.  File uploads aren't your typically API call!  We also mention using CURL to transfer multipart form data.  We're updating Isaias' AutoHotkey CURL library and will create a tutorial for it when we're done.  If you're doing API calls and want to transfer binary data, you'll want to learn how to work with multipart form data.   

TLDR: Multipart form data is a crucial method for sending various types of information together in a post request, and understanding how to handle it effectively can greatly enhance web scraping and API calls.

1. 00:00 📝 Multipart form data is important for sending different chunks of information together in a post request, especially when working with web scraping and API calls.
 1.1 Form data is a concept that can be confusing when working with web scraping and API calls, but it is important to understand its meaning and why it can be difficult to handle.
 1.2 When sending information to a server, especially in a post request, it is important to use multipart form data to indicate that different chunks of information are being sent together.

2. 01:57 📹 Multipart form data is sent differently than key-value pairs, using a unique string to divide the data, and the video explores solutions for handling it alongside existing key-value pairs.
 2.1 The video discusses how multipart form data is sent in a different format than key-value pairs, using a unique string to divide the data.
 2.2 The video discusses the issue of handling multipart form data when there are already key-value pairs present, and explores possible solutions.

3. 04:28 📝 Multipart form data uses a delimiter to separate form information and binary files, allowing for easier handling and resuming interrupted uploads or downloads.
 3.1 Programmers use a random string as a delimiter in multipart form data to ensure that it does not interfere with the form information, especially when sending binary files.
 3.2 Files were split into chunks using the boundary to be sent to the server, allowing for easier handling and the ability to continue uploads or downloads if interrupted.
 3.3 Files can be split into chunks and sent separately using boundaries in multipart form data.

4. 08:15 📝 Dealing with multipart form data has become easier with the use of curl, leading to its widespread adoption, especially in large companies.
 4.1 You had to manually divide and specify the disposition, content type, and mime type when sending data to the server, but with the corl and url libraries, you can use the dash f command to automatically build the string for multi-part form data.
 4.2 Dealing with multipart form data has become easier with the use of curl, leading to its widespread adoption, especially in large companies.

5. 10:18 📝 When submitting a form with a file, use multipart form data for the post request, including form ID, value, and file content, and if the file is large, it will be split into multiple posts.
 5.1 When submitting a form on a website, the form data can be sent either in the URL or in the body of a POST request, depending on the type of request being made.
 5.2 When submitting a file, it is necessary to use multipart form data for the post request.
 5.3 The form data includes the form ID, value, and file content, and if the file is too large, it would be broken up into multiple posts.

6. 13:09 📝 Automating the process of sending form data or uploading files can make it faster and easier, as demonstrated with the example of uploading a video on YouTube.
 6.1 When sending form data or uploading files, automating the process without using a browser can make it faster and easier, as demonstrated with the example of uploading a video on YouTube.
 6.2 The speaker discusses the process of filling out screens and performing various tasks in order to collect information and complete a task efficiently.

7. 14:46 📝 Multipart form data is a cool and important type of data that is not commonly seen, and it is important to understand its purpose and how to use it effectively.
 7.1 Multipart form data is a special type of data that is not commonly seen, but it is cool and important to understand.
 7.2 There is limited information available on handling multipart form data, but it is important to understand its purpose and how to use it effectively.

8. 16:39 📝 The speaker offers assistance and encourages viewers to ask questions or comment on the video.