Download File/Image as binary

Question

I'm searching for a way to download an URL with an image as binary so I can BASE64 Encode it and send it to my SAP Database. All this using RAILS.

Have you seen this http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2263540/how-do-i-download-a-binary-file-over-http — Sachin R, May 24 '13 at 06:59
Well that's all about writing files, can't you just read an online URL instead of working with HTTP — FastSolutions, May 24 '13 at 07:22
Will the above really download the file or just the headers? — FastSolutions, May 24 '13 at 07:31

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered May 24 '13 at 07:51

After I tried different things, I think the Curb gem is the best solution. This gem is found here: Ruby Gems Curb

It was easy to use like this:

curl_profile_pic = Curl::Easy.perform("example.url.jpeg)
params["personal_info"]["profile_pic"] = Base64.encode64(curl_profile_pic.body_str)

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