Screen scraping, also known as web scraping or data scraping, is the process of extracting data from websites or other applications that display information in a structured format. In the context of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), screen scraping refers to the use of software robots, or «bots,» to automate the process of extracting data from websites or other applications.
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Ways to perform screen scraping in RPA
There are several ways to perform screen scraping in RPA. One common approach is to use a tool that is specifically designed for screen scraping, such as Import.io or WebHarvy. These tools allow you to specify the data you want to extract and the location of that data on the website or application. The tool will then scrape the data and present it in a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or database.
Another approach is to use an RPA tool that includes built-in screen scraping capabilities, such as UiPath or Automation Anywhere. These tools allow you to create a bot that can interact with a website or application in much the same way as a human user. You can use the tool’s visual interface to specify the data you want to extract and the actions you want the bot to take, such as clicking on buttons or filling out forms. The bot will then execute these actions and extract the data you have specified.
In addition to these tools, there are also programming languages and libraries that can be used for screen scraping in RPA. For example, Python has a number of libraries, such as BeautifulSoup and Selenium, that can be used to scrape data from websites. These libraries allow you to write code that can interact with a website or application, extract the data you want, and save it to a file or database.
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Considerations to keep in mind when performing screen scraping in RPA
Regardless of the approach you choose, there are several considerations to keep in mind when performing screen scraping in RPA. First and foremost, it is important to respect the terms of service of the website or application you are scraping. Some websites explicitly prohibit screen scraping, and you may be subject to legal action if you violate these terms. It is also a good idea to consider the performance and scalability of your screen scraping solution.
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If you are scraping a large amount of data, you may need to design your solution to handle this volume in a way that does not impact the performance of the website or application.
In conclusion, screen scraping in RPA refers to the use of software robots to automate the process of extracting data from websites or other applications. There are several tools and approaches available for screen scraping, including specialized screen scraping tools, RPA tools with built-in screen scraping capabilities, and programming languages and libraries. It is important to respect the terms of service of the website or application you are scraping and to consider the performance and scalability of your solution. Follow us on our social networks for more information! Instagram and Facebook