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"Scraping" and "Fetching" are terms commonly used in the context of extracting data from the internet. Here are the fundamental differences between the two:
Scraping:
Definition: Scraping involves the process of extracting data from a website or online source by analyzing the HTML code and extracting specific information. How it Works: A web scraper parses the HTML structure of a webpage, looking for specific tags, classes, or elements to identify and extract the needed information. Application: Scraping is often used to extract data from websites when no official API is available or when more detailed information is required than what the API provides.
Fetching:
Definition: Fetching refers to the act of retrieving data from a particular source or URL. It encompasses the general process of downloading data from the internet. How it Works: Fetching can occur through simple HTTP requests or by using APIs. It involves downloading data from a source without necessarily analyzing the HTML code in detail. Application: Fetching is often used when accessing structured data through APIs. It is less invasive than scraping and is preferred when data is available in a machine-readable format.
Summary:
Scraping: A proactive approach that analyzes HTML code and searches for information deliberately.
Fetching: A reactive approach that retrieves data from a specific source or URL without detailed analysis of the HTML code.
It is essential to note that scraping can raise legal and ethical questions, especially when done without the consent of the website operator. Therefore, it is advisable to review a website's terms of service and ensure that scraping is in compliance with legal regulations.