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Build Your Scraper: Collect Reusable Data From Any Website
Dennis Lim
Dennis Lim
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Build Your Scraper: Collect Reusable Data From Any Website

Learn how the web utilizes the HTTP protocol to transfer HTML pages and how to build a scraper that collects structured information from any website.

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Apply now
Tuesdays
 at
5:00
P.M.
 ET /
2:00
P.M.
PT
8 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
Intermediate
No experience required
No experience required
Some experience required
Degree and experience required

Description

These days, many companies provide daily-changing information on their website, but it could be a tedious job to collect them every day. The ability to create a scraper helps you get valuable data from static or dynamic websites.  In this Build Project, you will gather and structure data from any public website without relying on external data APIs, allowing for time series analysis or monitoring recent information. Data ownership is crucial, so we will also cover the importance of robots.txt to prevent legal issues.

Session timeline

  • Applications open
    May 27, 2024
  • Application deadline
    June 23, 2024
  • Project start date
    Week of July 8, 2024
    Week of
    July 8, 2024
  • Project end date
    Week of

What you will learn

  • Learn how to run Node.js program and simple syntax of javascript
  • Build a simple scraper of static/dynamic websites
  • Inspect websites with Chrome and know about the web request/response process
  • Know how robot.txt works
  • Send a summary in Slack as a notification
Build Projects are 8-week experiences that operate on a rolling basis. Selected participants engage in weekly live workshops with a Build Fellow and 2-15 other students.

Project workshops

1
Introduction
2
Basic Syntax
3
Static Website Scraper
4
Structured Data
5
File System
6
Dynamic Website Scraper
7
Regulation
8
Wrap-up

Prerequisites

  • Syntax of Javascript and how interpreter runs the code segment
  • Basic knowledge of Node.js and differences between Node.js (Backend) and Web Javascript (Frontend)
  • Understanding the cycle of HTTP Protocol (request and response)
  • How to read Robot.txt and why websites provide this

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About the expert

Dennis Lim

Software Development Fellow
Open Avenues Foundation

I am a seasoned software engineering professional with extensive experience in backend and frontend development. My expertise spans across various platforms and languages, including Kotlin, Node.js, Kubernetes (K8S), React, ReactNative, and Flutter. Throughout my career, I have successfully led engineering teams, overseen large-scale projects, and developed innovative applications for both mobile and web environments. Notably, I was appointed CTO during a pivotal spinoff from Skelter Labs, where I managed and expanded key products such as Kyte and Playwings, enhancing their functionality and user engagement.In my role as CTO, I was responsible for writing design documents, developing systems to meet specific requirements, and collaborating closely with Marketing, Sales, and Customer Support teams. I supervised and structured engineering teams of over 20 developers, optimizing resource allocation and estimating project deadlines to ensure timely delivery. Prior to my tenure as CTO, I served as a Senior Software Engineer at Skelter Labs, where I led the Kyte Team to achieve significant milestones, including over 200k downloads across mobile platforms, and spearheaded the development of IoT applications and a blockchain-based dApp. My experience with cutting-edge technologies and leadership in diverse tech domains has equipped me with a robust skill set to drive innovation and excellence in software engineering.

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