What is scraping?

Web scraping/Web harvesting/Web data extraction is a computer software technique of extracting information from websites. Usually, such software programs simulate human exploration of the web by either implementing low-level hypertext transfer protocol(HTTP), or embedding certain full-fledged Web browsers, such as the internet explorer (IE) and the Mozilla Web browser. Web scraping is closely related to web indexing, which indexes Web content using a bot and is a universal technique adopted by most search engines. In contrast, Web scraping focuses more on the transformation of unstructured Web content, typically in HTML format, into structured data that can be stored and analyzed in a central local database or spreadsheet. Web scraping is also related to Web automation, which simulates human Web browsing using computer software. Exemplary uses of Web scraping include online price comparison, weather data monitoring, website change detection, Web research, Web content mashup and Web data integration.

Advantages of scraping

Scraping allows an organization to quickly and efficiently gather the needed data in an accessible format, without the bother of cutting and pasting. A user can have instant access to email addresses, competitor pricing, supplier information, and other specific data, arranged in a single display page that can double as a document.

For what purpose Web Data Extraction tools are use ?

Web Data extraction software can enable agencies to collect data on the race, gender, and ethnicity for the person(s) owning the majority of rights, equity, or interest in a business. These data are needed to evaluate the changes in the extent and growth of business ownership and activities by minorities and women. This also provides a framework for assessing and directing Minority Business Development Agency, Small Business Administration, and other Federal, state, and local government business assistance programs; and helps to establish new business development programs and policies.

Web Data extraction software can provide needed stats for business and marketing plans Lawyers can follow stats from an inexplicably wide range of sources. Ongoing data from government databases and academic research can be continuously kept current.