{"id":259336,"date":"2024-02-12T07:25:30","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T07:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imarticus.org\/blog\/?p=259336"},"modified":"2024-07-18T09:27:15","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T09:27:15","slug":"web-scraping-for-data-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imarticus.org\/blog\/web-scraping-for-data-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"Web Scraping for Data Collection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Collecting relevant data from the billions of pages online and scanning their content is an impossible task, given the amount of data generated daily. Web scraping thereby saves the day in these situations. Whether listing products or collecting information for research, web extraction software is indispensable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Web scraping, also known as web extraction, is a method for gathering data in large quantities before formatting it from unstructured to structured. In a time when the number of websites is constantly proliferating, it is quite difficult to collect appropriate data. This challenging operation is made simpler via web scraping. Understanding web scraping is essential to build a successful <\/span>career in data science<\/span> because it entails data acquisition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about the software, its features, functions and other pertinent information with this article.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is web scraping?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When a large amount of information is obtained from a reliable website, its structure will be in HTML<\/strong><\/a> format, which must be converted into structured data either in a database or a spreadsheet. Web scraping is the process of collecting and converting raw data from web pages.<\/span><\/p>\n

The methods include using specific APIs and online tools or even creating unique web scraping programs. Web pages are made using text-based markup languages (HTML and XHTML), typically containing a substantial quantity of useful text-based information. Most websites are developed with end users and not with machine usage in mind. As a result, it is now simpler to scrape online pages thanks to the development of dedicated tools and software. Some websites provide direct bulk data extraction, while others do not. Web scraping is useful in these circumstances since it extracts the data via an API or custom scraping code.<\/span><\/p>\n

A scraper and a crawler are necessary for the data extraction procedure. By clicking on connections to other websites, the AI-based \"crawler\" searches the web for the exact material it requires. On the other hand, the scraper is a special tool used for data extraction from websites. The scraper's architecture may vary significantly depending on the project\u2019s scale and difficulty in extracting data precisely and effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sign up for a <\/span>data analytics certification course<\/strong><\/a> to gain in-depth insight into web scraping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Different Types of Web Scrapers<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Different<\/p>\n

Depending on which section they fall under, web scrapers are further categorised into five types\u2014 locally-built web scrapers, cloud web scrapers, browser extensions web scrapers, pre-built web scrapers, and self-built web scrapers.<\/span><\/p>\n

To succeed in a <\/span>career in data analytics<\/span>, it is essential to understand the different types of web scrapers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Self-Built Web Scrapers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Self-built web scrapers can be made with less programming experience than other types. As a result, they are not strongly suggested, but they offer a great entry point into the world of <\/span>data collection<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Built Web Scrapers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Everybody can easily access this web scraper. They are simple to use, are customisable and can be downloaded freely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its customisation ability sets it apart from other web scrapers in several ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Browser Extension Web Scrapers<\/span><\/h3>\n

As the name implies, the browser's extension sets it apart from other browsers. The user finds it simpler to use the extension because of its familiarity with the browser. The browser's functionality is compromised by limited features. As it is far more sophisticated than the browser and provides a more streamlined working environment, software web scrapers are used to overcome this challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cloud Web Scraper<\/span><\/h3>\n

Web scrapers operating in the cloud are typically provided by the company where you bought them. The cloud is an off-site server. They spare your computer's resources so it can concentrate on other tasks because they do not require scraping data from websites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Local Web Scraper<\/span><\/h3>\n

These scrapers operate by using local resources that are available right from the computer. The device's speed slows down as a result of using up RAM or the CPU's energy. Completing tasks becomes laborious as the device's performance and speed decline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Techniques Used<\/span><\/h2>\n

Registering for a<\/span> data science course<\/strong><\/a> is the ideal choice for aspiring data scientists to master the techniques used during web scraping. The techniques include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n