automatic scp download (without the use of ssh keys)

Hi guys,

I need to automate scp downloads from a server to which I do not have the ability to upload my public key for automatic logins.

I know there is something called expect, but I wasn't sure if that was the best way to go. Basically I am executing a scp download command and I need the script to watch for the password prompt and enter it for me. A level up would be reading the password from at least somehow encrypted form (either within the script itself or a local file)

any tips & tricks appreciated

Use expect, it's much more flexible than any other solution, at least that's my opinion. There are implementations in Perl and Python, or the original TCL one.
The most easiest way, however, is to use "autoexpect" - it will record whatever you do, and will generate expect script, which you can run or modify later.

thank you for the reply.