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Scraping Websites With Python And BeautifulSoup – Semalt Advice

There is more than enough information on the internet about how to scrape websites and blogs properly. What we need is not just the access to that data but the scalable ways to collect, analyze and organize it. Python and BeautifulSoup are two marvelous tools to scrape websites and extract data. In web scraping, data can be easily extracted and presented in a format you need. If you are an avid investor that values his/her time and money, you definitely need to speed up the web scraping process and make it as optimized as it could be.

Getting Started

We are going to use both Python and BeautifulSoup as the main scraping language.

1. For Mac users, Python is pre-installed in the OS X. They just have to open Terminal and type in python –version. This way, they will be able to see Python 2.7 version.
2. For the Windows users, we recommend installing Python via its official site.
3. Next, you have to access BeautifulSoup library with the help of pip. This package management tool was made especially for Python.

In the terminal, you have to insert the following code:

easy_install pip

pip install BeautifulSoup4

Scraping Rules:

The main scraping rules you should take care of are:

1. You have to check the site's Rules and Regulations before getting started with its scraping. So be very careful!
2. You should not request the data from the sites too aggressively. Make sure, the tool you use behaves reasonably. Otherwise, you can break the site.
3. One request per second is the right practice.
4. The layout of the blog or site can be altered any time, and you may have to revisit that site and rewrite your own code whenever needed.

Inspect the Page

Hover your cursor on the Price page to understand what should be done. Read the text related to both HTML and Python, and from the results, you'll see the prices inside the HTML tags.

These HTML tags often come in the form of

→ →.

Export to Excel CSV

Once you have extracted the data, the next step is to save it offline. The Excel Comma Separated Format is the best choice in this regard, and you can easily open it in your Excel sheet. But first, you would have to import the Python CSV modules and the date-time modules to record your data properly. The following code can be inserted in the import section:

import csv

from datetime import to datetime

Advanced Scraping Techniques

BeautifulSoup is one of the simplest and comprehensive tools for web scraping. However, if you need to harvest large volumes of data, consider some other alternatives:

1. Scrapy is a powerful and amazing python scraping framework.
2. You can also integrate the code with a public API. The efficiency of your data will be important. For example, you can try Facebook Graph API, which helps hide the data and does not show it up on the Facebook pages.
3. Besides, you can use the backend programs such as MySQL and store the data in a large amount with great accuracy.
4. DRY stands for "Don't Repeat Yourself" and you can try to automate the regular tasks using this technique.
Frank Abagnale
Thank you all for taking the time to read my article! I hope you found it helpful.
Mark Williams
Great article, Frank! I've been wanting to get into web scraping with Python, and this gives me a good starting point. Thanks!
Frank Abagnale
Thank you, Mark! I'm glad you found it useful. Let me know if you have any questions.
Emma Johnson
I've used BeautifulSoup in the past, and it's a fantastic library. Looking forward to reading your article and learning more advanced techniques!
Mike Peterson
I've heard about web scraping but never actually tried it. This article definitely makes me want to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah Thompson
Frank, your article is a lifesaver! I've been struggling to scrape a website for my research project. Can't wait to dive into your tips!
Frank Abagnale
You're welcome, Sarah! I'm happy to help. Let me know if you need any assistance.
John Richardson
I've been using Selenium for web scraping, but I've heard BeautifulSoup is more lightweight. Will definitely give it a try after reading your article, Frank!
Frank Abagnale
Sure thing, John! BeautifulSoup is indeed a lighter option, especially for static websites. Give it a go, and feel free to ask if you have any doubts.
Emily Cooper
I'm a beginner in Python and web development. Is this article suitable for someone with limited coding experience?
Frank Abagnale
Hi Emily! The article assumes some basic familiarity with Python. However, I've tried to explain the concepts thoroughly. Give it a try, and feel free to ask if you need further clarification.
Daniel Lee
Nice work, Frank! I've been using BeautifulSoup for a while now, and it's an excellent tool. Looking forward to reading your article and learning any new tricks!
Jessica Hayes
This is just what I needed! I've been struggling with scraping data for my business. Can't wait to implement your suggestions and streamline the process. Thanks, Frank!
Frank Abagnale
You're welcome, Jessica! I'm glad I could help. Let me know if you encounter any challenges during the implementation.
Andrew Mitchell
Great article, Frank! Could you please recommend any specific resources or tutorials to further expand our knowledge on web scraping?
Emily Cooper
Thank you, Frank! I'll give it a shot and reach out if I need any assistance. Appreciate your help!
Jessica Hayes
Thanks, Frank! I'll definitely ask for help if I get stuck. Really appreciate your guidance!
David Anderson
Your article provides a clear step-by-step guide, Frank. I've been hesitant to try web scraping, but now I feel more confident. Thanks!
Sophia Evans
Great article, Frank! Web scraping has always fascinated me. Looking forward to diving into your recommendations!
Frank Abagnale
Thank you, Sophia! I'm glad to hear that. Let me know if you have any questions while implementing the recommendations.
Robert Garcia
Frank, this article came at the perfect time! I was struggling with website data extraction. Your article provided the guidance I needed.
Frank Abagnale
You're welcome, Robert! I'm glad it was helpful. Let me know if you need any further assistance.
Amy Wilson
Web scraping can be overwhelming, but your article makes it accessible, Frank. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Frank Abagnale
Thank you, Amy! I'm happy to hear that my article could simplify web scraping for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Thomas Campbell
I've used BeautifulSoup a bit before, but I'm excited to learn some new scraping techniques. Your article looks promising, Frank!
Frank Abagnale
I'm glad you're excited, Thomas! There are indeed some interesting techniques covered in the article. Let me know if you have any queries after reading it.
Jennifer Adams
Great topic, Frank! I've been meaning to learn more about web scraping, and this article seems like a perfect starting point.
Robert Garcia
Thanks, Frank! I'll definitely reach out if I run into any roadblocks. I appreciate your support!
Amy Wilson
I surely will, Frank! Thanks again for your helpfulness and willingness to assist. It means a lot!
Thomas Campbell
I definitely will, Frank! Can't wait to try out those techniques. I appreciate your willingness to answer questions!
Laura Anderson
This article is exactly what I was looking for, Frank! The explanations and code snippets are very clear. Thank you for sharing!
Frank Abagnale
You're welcome, Laura! I'm delighted to hear that the explanations were clear. If you have any questions while applying the concepts, don't hesitate to ask.
Michael Robinson
Great article, Frank! I've been wanting to automate some data gathering, and web scraping seems like the solution. Excited to read your insights!
Frank Abagnale
Thank you, Michael! Web scraping can indeed greatly aid in automating data gathering tasks. Let me know if you need any assistance along the way.
Jessica Ramirez
I've never tried web scraping before, but your article gives me the confidence to get started. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Frank!
Daniel Morris
Frank, your article is a treasure trove of information! I'm grateful for the in-depth explanations and examples. Can't wait to implement these techniques!
Sophie Phillips
Thank you, Frank! You've covered everything from the basics to advanced techniques. This will save me so much time in my data analysis tasks.
William Thompson
This is amazing, Frank! I've been looking for a reliable guide on web scraping with Python. Can't wait to dig into your article!
Laura Anderson
I surely will, Frank! Your support is appreciated. Thank you for offering your assistance!
Michael Robinson
Thanks, Frank! I'll definitely reach out if I need any guidance while implementing the scraping process. Appreciate your willingness to help!
Oliver Turner
Frank, thanks for this comprehensive article! It will definitely come in handy for my new project. Excited to apply these techniques!
Sophia Wright
I've been hearing about web scraping a lot lately. Finally, your article gives me the motivation to dive in and explore. Thanks, Frank!
Tom Mitchell
Frank, I admire your expertise! I'm already proficient in web development, but I'm excited to broaden my skills in web scraping. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Laura Anderson
Thank you, Frank! Knowing that I can count on your guidance makes this learning journey much easier. I'll definitely reach out if I need assistance!
Sophie Turner
Great job, Frank! Your article is detailed and informative. Can't wait to apply these techniques to my own projects. Thanks!
Jane Adams
This article is exactly what I was looking for, Frank! It's straightforward and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
James Murphy
Frank, your article is a goldmine of information on web scraping. I appreciate the effort you put into explaining each step clearly. Thanks!
Grace Allen
Thank you, Frank! Your article provides a comprehensive guide to web scraping with Python. I'm excited to dive in and try it out!
George Mitchell
Great read, Frank! I've been meaning to learn about web scraping, and your article seems like a perfect starting point. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Emma Turner
As someone new to Python, this article provides a clear introduction to web scraping. Thanks for sharing, Frank!
Sophia Rivera
Frank, your article is a comprehensive resource for web scraping. The step-by-step approach and code examples make it easy to follow. Thanks!
Tom Taylor
Frank, I've been looking for a solid guide on web scraping, and your article exceeds my expectations. Excited to dive in and explore. Thanks!
Amy Adams
This article presents web scraping concepts in a beginner-friendly manner. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Frank!
Luke Jackson
Great article, Frank! I'm familiar with web scraping basics, but your advanced techniques will undoubtedly help me improve my skills. Thanks!
Mia Cooper
As a Python enthusiast, this article is a valuable resource for web scraping. Thank you, Frank, for sharing your expertise so generously!
Oliver Thompson
Frank, your article made web scraping look less intimidating. The clear explanations and examples are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Jasmine Kelly
This article is a game-changer for me, Frank! I've been struggling to extract data from websites, but your guide simplifies the process. Thanks!
Daniel Wright
Very insightful article, Frank! Your explanations are crystal clear, and the examples help in understanding the concepts better. Thanks!
Samantha Phillips
This article is a fantastic resource for web scraping. I appreciate your effort in creating such a detailed and helpful guide, Frank. Thanks!
Emily Patterson
I've been wanting to learn web scraping for a while, and your article seems like a perfect way to start. Thanks for sharing, Frank!
Samuel Mitchell
Frank, your article is thorough and well-organized. The examples and explanations make web scraping approachable. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource!
Sophie Roberts
A well-written article, Frank! I've always been curious about web scraping, and your guide provides the perfect introduction. Thanks!
Luke Turner
Great work, Frank! Your article provides a solid foundation for web scraping with BeautifulSoup. Looking forward to implementing these techniques!
Jasmine Adams
Thanks for this excellent resource, Frank! As someone relatively new to Python, your article makes web scraping seem within reach. Appreciate it!
Emma Robinson
Frank, your article is a treasure trove of information for web scraping enthusiasts. The code examples make it easy to understand. Thanks!
Oliver Jackson
This article is precisely what I needed, Frank! I've been looking to enhance my web scraping skills, and your guide seems perfect. Thanks!
James Hayes
Thank you for this comprehensive article, Frank! Your explanations and practical examples are highly valuable for web scraping beginners like me.
Grace Turner
Great job, Frank! Your article is well-written and informative. The step-by-step instructions make web scraping less intimidating. Thanks!
William Mitchell
Frank, your article covers all the necessary aspects of web scraping. I appreciate the clarity in explanations and the code snippets. Thanks!
Nathan Thompson
This article provides an excellent introduction to web scraping, Frank! I appreciate the practical examples and clear explanations. Thanks!
Megan Taylor
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Frank! Your article provides a solid foundation for web scraping beginners like me. Much appreciated!
Emily Murphy
Frank, your article is a fantastic resource for starting web scraping projects. It's well-written and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
Sophia Turner
I've been meaning to learn web scraping, and your article seems like the perfect starting point, Frank. Can't wait to get started. Thanks!
Daniel Roberts
Great article, Frank! Your explanations are clear, even for beginners like me. Can't wait to try out web scraping using BeautifulSoup!
Oliver Adams
This article is an excellent resource, Frank! The step-by-step instructions and explanations make web scraping seem less daunting. Thanks!
Luke Campbell
Frank, your article is comprehensive and well-structured. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on web scraping with Python. Great work!
Sophie Richardson
Thank you for this informative article, Frank! Your explanations and code examples make it easier for beginners like me to understand web scraping.
James Turner
Frank, your article is a valuable resource for learning web scraping. I appreciate the practical examples and concise explanations. Thanks!
Grace Jackson
Thanks for sharing your expertise, Frank! Your article presents web scraping concepts in an accessible manner. Excited to try it out!
Nathan Wright
Great job, Frank! Your article makes web scraping with Python seem achievable for beginners like me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Megan Allen
Thank you, Frank! Your article is a comprehensive guide to web scraping. The explanations and code snippets are excellent. Highly appreciated!
Emily Roberts
Frank, your article is a gem! As someone who's new to web scraping, it's refreshing to have a comprehensive guide like this. Thanks!
Sophia Kelly
This article is an invaluable resource for web scraping beginners like me, Frank. Your clear explanations make it easier to understand. Thanks!
Daniel Jackson
Frank, your article is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in web scraping. The step-by-step approach is appreciated. Thanks!
Oliver Murphy
Thank you for this excellent resource, Frank! Your article provides a solid foundation for web scraping with BeautifulSoup. Many thanks!
Luke Wilson
Frank, your article is well-written and informative. The explanations are clear, even for beginners like me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Jasmine Turner
This article on web scraping is precisely what I needed, Frank! The explanations and code examples are very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Daniel Wilson
Thank you for this comprehensive article, Frank! Your explanations and code snippets are invaluable for anyone new to web scraping. Much appreciated!
Mia Kelly
Great article, Frank! Your explanations make web scraping accessible to beginners like me. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Louise Campbell
As someone new to Python and web scraping, this article provides the perfect introduction, Frank. The examples are clear and easy to follow. Thanks!
Sophia Wilson
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Frank! Your article on web scraping is informative and well-structured. Looking forward to more content from you!
James Evans
Fantastic article, Frank! Your explanations and code snippets make web scraping understandable. Thanks for breaking it down!
Grace Campbell
Thank you, Frank! Your article on web scraping is comprehensive and beginner-friendly. I appreciate the examples and explanations!
Nathan Allen
This article is an excellent resource for web scraping beginners, Frank. Your explanations and code snippets make it easier to grasp the concepts. Thanks!
Emily Wilson
Great job, Frank! Your article provides a solid foundation for web scraping with Python. I appreciate the detailed explanations. Thanks!
Sophie Campbell
Thank you for this detailed article, Frank! Your explanations and code examples are perfect for beginners like me. Well done!
James Turner
Frank, your article is a lifesaver for web scraping beginners like me! The explanations and examples are priceless. Thank you so much!
Grace Turner
As a beginner to web scraping, this article is an absolute gem. Thanks, Frank, for providing such a clear and comprehensive guide!
Nathan Turner
Fantastic article, Frank! Your explanations and code snippets make web scraping seem less daunting. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
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