Do you Know these Basics of Website Data Scraping?

Web data extraction, often referred to as web scraping, is a useful means of pulling relevant information from various portals, with the help of a web scraper. In general, website scraper programs search different sites in as much the same manner that a human browser would. Sometimes, they also use embedded web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. These programs prove to be of great value for certain kinds of data collection and market research, but then, they can also be used unscrupulously.

Why do Businesses Scrape Website Content?

Similar to the web indexing tools used by popular search engines, website data scraping is a well-conceived, automated process that extracts data from the web and accumulates it in a more organized form. However, unlike indexing tools, these scraping programs tend to lay primary focus on contact information, store prices and product descriptions. They are being used for building databases of the business data of competitors as well as the contact lists of potential customers. These programs are also helpful in collecting base material that go a long way in building content for heavy websites—in an easy and faster way.

Automation Levels

Typically a fully automated process, web scraping is also possible through manual means. In the case of hand scraping, human operators copy and paste large volumes of information from specific pages into a text file or database. Very labor-intensive and slow, this method succeeds in collecting more precise information than other technical techniques.

Automated data scrapers make the process faster. From HTTP socket programming to UNIX grep commands, they are well equipped to use varied techniques with ease. For instance, a scraper tool can view dynamic web pages in full and then parse them into DOM trees--as and when required. These programs boast of full-fledged web browsers that are embedded into the software for better automation.

Legal Concerns

Used mostly for ethical purposes, this software can fall into wrong hands and be used the ‘illegal’ way too. To alleviate these underlying concerns, most websites incorporate a blanket ban on data scraping. This is included in their ‘terms of use’ policies and agreements.

These and other basics of web data scraping help you better understand their ethical nature, utility and usefulness—right?