Embedding a request in a URL is a basic mechanism for issuing a method and its parameters to a server running Windows SharePoint Services. The syntax for using this mechanism is as follows:
http://Server_Name/[sites/][Site_Name/]_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?Cmd=
Method_name[&Parameter1=Value1&Parameter2=Value2...]
The following example exports the schema of the list specified by a GUID:
http://Server_Name/[sites/][Site_Name/]_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?Cmd=
ExportList&List=GUID
This example displays the Discussions list as a CAML file:
http://Server_Name/[sites/][Site_Name/]_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?Cmd=
Display&List=GUID&XMLDATA=TRUE
The next example exports the Discussions list to a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Note that the GUID for the associated view must be assigned to the View parameter.
http://Server_Name/[sites/][Site_Name/]_vti_bin/owssvr.dll?CS=
109&Using=_layouts/query.iqy&List=GUID&View=GUID&CacheControl=1
For information about how to use URL protocol to post requests, see How to: Post Windows SharePoint Services RPC Methods.