How do I use Python to automate the file conversion of SBML (XML) files, stored locally, using a web-based file converter located here:
http://www.ebi.ac.uk/compneur-srv/converters/converters
Here are the steps for manually doing this:
1. Select "SBML" from the Model Format drop-down menu
2. Select "Octave" from the Output Format drop-down menu
3. Select the SBML file to upload
OR
Select the "copy/paste" button and paste SBML text contents into text box.
4. Click "Convert!" Button
5. Save converted output files on the next page
selenium seems to be an obvious answer, here's for example how you can "click" a link:
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.common.exceptions import NoSuchElementException
driver = webdriver.Firefox()
driver.get("http://whatever")
driver.find_element_by_link_text("link-text").click()
As a side note, web admins are usually not happy about large scale automated activities, consider letting them know before you start.