Web Scraping
Definition
Web scraping automatically reads websites and converts found information into structured data.
The automated retrieval and structured extraction of information from websites or web interfaces.
Simply explained
A program collects specific data from websites and arranges it, for example, in a table.
Why it matters in practice
The term contributes to secure, maintainable, and high-performance web applications as well as resilient technical decisions.
Example from business
A retailer reads publicly permitted supplier lists under rate limits and documents origin and usage rights.
Limits and pitfalls
- robots.txt is not a comprehensive legal framework; terms and conditions, copyright, data protection, load, and page changes must be considered.
Origin & history
Web scraping developed with web crawlers and parsers; dynamic pages led to browser automation.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: A retailer reads publicly permitted supplier lists under rate limits and documents origin and usage rights.
Frequently asked questions
What does automated web data extraction (web scraping) mean?
The automated retrieval and structured extraction of information from websites or web interfaces. What should be considered? robots.txt is not a comprehensive legal framework; terms and conditions, copyright, data protection, load, and page changes must be considered.
Sources
- Robots Exclusion Protocol · IETF RFC 9309, Robots Exclusion Protocol
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: