OpenBullet 2: Overview of the Web Scraping Tool

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OpenBullet 2 is a versatile web scraping tool known for its user-friendly interface, extensive functionality, support for multithreading, and customizable process settings. It's particularly popular among professionals in data parsing and analysis, SEO, cybersecurity, and software testing. This tool enables users to rapidly gather data and automate repetitive tasks, streamlining operations in various tech-driven fields. Its flexibility and ease of use make it an essential resource for specialists aiming to optimize their workflows and enhance productivity efficiently.

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Key features of OpenBullet 2 for web scraping and automation

OpenBullet 2 is developed on the lightweight, modular, and cross-platform .NET Core runtime environment, designed for running cloud applications and Internet services. It operates both as a native desktop application for Windows and as a web client for Linux, Windows, macOS, and Docker. The platform allows users to customize query parameters to extract the required data and utilize HTML and JSON to format the gathered information appropriately. Additionally, OpenBullet 2 offers features for sorting, filtering, and aggregating data, which facilitates the processing and analysis of large volumes of information.

Support for multithreading

OpenBullet 2 employs asynchronous methods for executing network requests alongside a thread pool. This setup facilitates the parallel execution of multiple tasks such as collecting and processing data from various resources, interacting with APIs, and filtering information. The result is a significant increase in the speed of data collection operations on the Internet. Users have the flexibility to configure the number of threads based on their requirements, optimizing load distribution on their devices and minimizing the risk of website blocks. Additionally, web scraping APIs can be integrated with OpenBullet 2 to handle multiple requests and enhance data extraction efficiency.

Configuring bot scrapers

OpenBullet 2 allows users to create custom configurations for bots that can send requests to target sites, test APIs, or collect data on complex websites. These configurations consist of scripts and parameters defining the bot's interactions with web resources, the data it collects, and its processing methods. Users can configure elements such as URLs, request headers, authentication methods, and filtering rules.

OpenBullet 2 also supports script customization in C#, enabling users to tailor request processing logic to their specific needs. The flexible configuration system allows for script logic adjustments, the addition of new features, and the integration of third-party frameworks, fostering the creation of bespoke solutions for various scenarios. Additionally, users can share their configurations and use templates created by others.

Processing and managing results (Hits)

After executing scripts and receiving data, OpenBullet 2 automatically classifies the results, allowing users to easily distinguish between successful and unsuccessful attempts. Users can set up filters and rules to sort results by various criteria such as request status, data type (e.g., logins, passwords), date and time of receipt, and data uniqueness (e.g., removing duplicates). Additionally, conditions can be set for specific values, enabling users to highlight or ignore records that meet certain criteria.

Broad support for browsers and libraries

OpenBullet 2 is compatible with major browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. The platform allows users to adapt script behavior to the specifics of each browser, enhancing the ability to bypass anti-fraud systems and improving compatibility with various web technologies. Users can adjust parameters like user agents and cookies and utilize special browser features for more effective website interaction.

Furthermore, OpenBullet 2 supports integration with popular libraries that extend its automation capabilities. HtmlAgilityPack facilitates HTML document parsing for easy data extraction from websites. Newtonsoft.Json aids in handling JSON by providing efficient serialization and deserialization, useful in API interactions. RestSharp is instrumental in working with RESTful APIs, enabling users to perform network requests and process responses efficiently, eliminating the need for extensive manual coding.

Bypassing CAPTCHA and anti-fraud filters

OpenBullet 2 provides robust features to effectively bypass CAPTCHA and anti-fraud filters, ensuring seamless access to required data:

  • Automatic bypass of CAPTCHA: the application integrates with several captcha-solving services, such as 2Captcha and Anti-Captcha. This integration automates the process of bypassing CAPTCHAs, facilitating uninterrupted access to necessary data.
  • Proxy server integration: OpenBullet 2 supports a variety of proxy types including HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS4, SOCKS4a, and SOCKS5. This functionality enables users to bypass geographical restrictions, conceal internet activities from anti-fraud systems, and conduct multi-threaded operations. Additionally, the platform offers automatic IP address rotation, enhancing anonymity and reducing the likelihood of detection.
  • Configuring User-Agent: to further reduce the risk of detection and blocking, OpenBullet 2 allows for the customization of user agents. This feature simulates requests from different browsers or devices, diversifying the digital footprint during automated tasks.

These capabilities collectively lower the risk of triggering anti-fraud mechanisms, helping to avoid blocks and failures during the data scraping process, thereby ensuring efficient and reliable data collection.

How to install OpenBullet 2

Since OpenBullet 2 is developed in C#, it requires specific .NET applications to operate effectively. Before installation, ensure you have the latest versions of the .NET Framework, .NET Desktop Runtime, and ASP.NET Core Runtime, which are available for download from the official Microsoft website.

Here’s how to install OpenBullet 2:

  1. Navigate to the OpenBullet 2 documentation page and download the latest release version, which will typically be an .exe file. Save this file in an empty folder designated for the application's distribution after installation.

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  2. Execute the downloaded file. In the opening interface, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select “stable builds” and press “Enter” to proceed with installing the stable version of OpenBullet 2.

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  3. When prompted, press “y” followed by “Enter” to confirm the installation of the latest version.

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  4. Allow some time for the distribution to download and unpack. Once completed, press any key to continue.

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  5. Locate and open the folder where you initially saved the .exe file and run the “OpenBullet2.Native” file to start the application.

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  6. If the program closes immediately after launching, it could indicate an issue with the .NET Desktop Runtime installation. In such a case, attempt reinstalling the .NET Desktop Runtime to resolve the problem and ensure the proper functioning of OpenBullet 2.

OpenBullet 2 client interface

The OpenBullet 2 client interface is managed through various tabs positioned at the top of the interface, allowing users to access and configure the application's functionalities easily.

Home

This tab serves as the central panel for navigation and control of all main functions. It provides quick access to created jobs, configurations, and scripts. The window displays general information about the status of active processes and key performance metrics, such as the number of completed tasks and current results.

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Jobs

This section is designed to create and manage jobs/bots for operations like data collection, parsing, and interacting with APIs. It allows users to configure job parameters, including configurations, used scripts, and flow parameters. It also displays information about the current status of job execution, results, and errors, enabling users to track progress and adjust settings in real-time.

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Monitor

Here, users can monitor active requests, flow status, and script execution results in real-time. It provides detailed information about each request, including status and response time, facilitating quick identification of issues and optimization of processes.

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Proxies

This tab allows users to add, edit, and delete proxy servers, as well as configure their parameters like protocol type and authentication. It shows information about proxy status, including availability and response time, assisting in selecting the most effective servers.

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Wordlists

This section manages lists of logins and passwords used in authentication and parsing processes. Users can create, import, edit, sort, and filter wordlists. It also offers analysis and verification tools to assess the effectiveness and relevance of the lists. Importantly, wordlists are not stored in the OpenBullet database; only links to their locations on the disk are saved, ensuring the security of user data.

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Configs

In the “Configs” tab, users can create, edit, and customize configurations and select from pre-prepared templates. Each configuration includes parameters for authentication, data processing, and various parsing methods. This window also allows checking configurations for correct operation, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in automating data collection processes.

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Hits

This window displays the results of previously launched tasks, including successful authentications, connections to proxy servers, and data extraction from web resources. It offers functions for filtering and sorting, simplifying the search for necessary information. Results can be exported to various formats, ensuring convenient data interaction in the future. All successful records are saved in the program database, securing them even when the application is closed.

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Plugins

Plugins extend the functionality of OpenBullet 2 by adding new features, improving performance, or integrating with external services. This tab allows users to view available plugins, install new ones, and manage installed plugins, including activation and deactivation, providing flexibility in tailoring the application to specific tasks and needs.

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OB Settings

This tab is dedicated to configuring the fundamental parameters and settings of the OpenBullet 2 application itself. Users can manage various settings including interface preferences, security configurations, software updates, and integration with external services.

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This section also offers customization options for the application's interface, such as changing the design theme, configuring notifications, and managing data storage options.

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RL Settings

The “RL Settings” tab is designed for configuring the parameters associated with render-life (RL) mechanisms that enable dynamic processing and real-time display of data. Here, users can adjust settings related to data processing and analysis, including timing, request limits, and resource management. These configurations help optimize data collection processes and enhance the efficiency of operations with web resources.

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About

The About section provides detailed information about the developers, testers, and contributors to the OpenBullet 2 open-source project. It also includes valuable resources such as links to communities and forums. These platforms offer a space for users to share experiences, seek advice, and receive support regarding the application.

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Setting up a proxy server in OpenBullet 2

To connect a new proxy server in the OpenBullet 2 application, you can follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Navigate to the “Proxies” section and click on the “Import” icon.

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  2. Choose the “Paste” option and then select the connection type. Enter the proxy server details in the format “IP-address: port”, for example, “80.71.217.138:80”.

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  3. Input the username and password required for connecting to the proxy server and then click “ACCEPT” to save the new connection settings.

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OpenBullet 2 is a versatile and robust tool that caters to professionals in web scraping, SEO, cybersecurity, and software testing. This free software excels in data collection and analysis, offering features such as multithreading, script customization, proxy and CAPTCHA support, and comprehensive logging. Users can effectively manage bot configurations, maintain lists of logins and passwords, and utilize plugins to expand the tool’s capabilities. Its extensive functionality and adaptability make OpenBullet 2 an ideal solution for automating complex web-based processes and enhancing scraping efficiency.

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