Why Is Python So Popular In Web Scraping? 

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Numerous ready-made web scraping tools are out there. But sometimes, you need to create yours in-house. When you have a custom web scraper built, you can customize, add features, and control everything. 

Since web scrapers are software products, you need programming languages to build them. Programming languages commonly used to build web scrapers include JavaScript, Ruby, C#, C++, Node.js, Python, etc. 

With each of these languages, you can build innovative web scrapers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses that make it unique from the others. But amidst them, Python stands out as the one ticking almost all the boxes of web scraping needs. Hence, python web scraping is the most common. 

What Is Web Scraping? 

Web scraping involves using software to get data from target websites in large volumes within the shortest time possible.

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Web scrapers look into the structure of websites to collect different types of data as specified by their pre-programming. The collected data are then stored in files that can be easily manipulated and analyzed. 

Web scraping is a common internet culture, as anyone can copy content from one website to a spreadsheet – small-scale web scraping. Since the current world thrives on data-driven decisions, it’s become pertinent for businesses and products to get large volumes of data to foster accurate decision-making. 

With web scrapers, you can access data in different formats; video, text, images, product information, keywords, reviews, price, etc. 

As seemingly simple as web scrapers’ function, they can be complex to develop. The development becomes even harder thanks to several defense measures website owners employ. Python is one of the few languages up to whatever task modern scraping defense mechanisms present. 

What Is Python? 

Python is a free programming language that’s simple to learn. It’s a high-level language that is dynamically typed and is interpreted rather than compiled. The simplicity of Python makes it a ubiquitous programming language. 

Python also works well across different platforms – cross-platform functionality, which makes it a preferred language for application developers. For instance, platforms like YouTube, DropBox, and BitTorrent used Python in their build. 

Here are some of the popular use cases for Python: 

  • Web development: Used to develop back-end logic for web applications quickly. 
  • Game development: Python can be used to program interactive games. 
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence: Used to develop predictive and intelligent systems.
  • Data science and visualization: Data is everywhere, and Python aids in its understanding. 
  • Desktop GUI: Used to develop desktop applications. 
  • Web scraping applications: Python can be used for web scrapers, and it’s the most popular language. 
  • Business application suites: Python is used for business applications because of its scalability, extensive functionality and readability. 
  • Audio and video applications: used to develop media applications 
  • CAD applications: Used for object representation needed in CAD applications like Fandango. 
  • Embedded systems: Python is a C-based language, which makes it functional in developing embedded C software for embedded systems. 
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Why Python? Advantages And Disadvantages

Python is a high-level language that’s existed for a long time. Despite the language’s age, the language continues to enjoy massive usage worldwide for several reasons. Consequently, these reasons translate to why Python web scraping is the most popular. 

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Ease Of Use

Python has simple syntaxes with which coders can easily execute different logic. Hence, it’s simple to use. For instance, when coding in Python, you don’t need to use semicolons or curly braces, unlike a language like JavaScript. 

Large Library Collection

Programming languages rely on pre-programmed functionalities collated into what is called a library. Python has numerous libraries that play right into its web-scraping functionalities. Some of these libraries are Numpy, Pandas, Matlplotlib, etc. These libraries supply pre-programmed methods for different use cases. Having many libraries also helps Python manipulate data better. 

Dynamically Typed

Unlike other languages, you don’t have to specify data types when using variables. You use the variables whenever you need them. Not having to define variables’ data types with every usage makes coding easier. 

Simple Syntax

Syntax simplicity is another advantage of Python, as it’s easily understandable and readable. Newbies can easily read Python code and know what’s happening with a program. 

Small Code For Large Tasks

Python is a high-level language that uses methods, properties, attributes, etc., that result in fewer lines of code in solving large tasks. 

Community

Python is a commonly used language with applications across different industries. Hence, there’s a large community where you can easily get support. 

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Python vs Other Languages: Advantages And Disadvantages 

Python vs Ruby:

  • Python is faster
  • Python has a better community

Python vs C++:

  • Python is better at web programming than C++
  • Python is simpler to learn and use
  • C++ offers more performance than Python

Python vs PHP:

  • It’s not easy to code a web scraper in PHP
  • Python is less complicated and easier to learn

Conclusion 

Python is a programming language that’ll most likely never be outdated. Python is a versatile language, which makes it perfect for web scraping, even in minor areas where other languages are better. Python makes up for it in other areas.

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