Although data extraction provides numerous benefits to businesses, companies seek reliable and functional methods to complete the process.
Several steps go into retrieving web data, from making a request to extracting data and converting it into a readable format.
Python developers typically use the Python Requests library to fetch online data. But what makes it important for Python users?
A look into the features and functionalities of the Requests library will reveal.
What Is Python Requests Library?
Kenneth Reitz, a software engineer, first developed the Requests library in 2008. He, along with his contributors, has been maintaining it since then.
Python users use the Requests library when making HTTP requests in Python. It hides the complications of requests behind a simple and easy-to-consume application programming interface.
This makes it easier for users to interact with HTTP operations like GET, POST – among others.
The procedures executed in the Requests library implement HTTP operations against a particular server identified by its URL.
Here’s what else users can expect from the Requests library.
- Request. The library has simplified methods to tackle the HTTP request. It is easy to pass parameters and handle requests like GET, POST, DELETE, and PUT.
- Response. You can receive a response in your desired format. The library supports numerous formats, including binary response, text, raw, and JSON response.
- Headers. You can also read and update the headers per your preferences. The library also allows you to send new headers.
- Error handling. Running into errors isn’t uncommon when making requests. Luckily, the library handles timeout errors, connection errors, and more.
- SSL certificates. Secure URLs often include this security feature. Requests allow you to verify these certificates for a specific HTTP URL. So, the library will show an error if there is no SSL certificate.
3 Reasons Python Developers Need Requests Library
The Python Requests library is one of the most widely used libraries within the Python community. The package garners over 110 million downloads monthly.
Python users seeking convenience during web scraping tasks must utilize the functionality of the Request library to the maximum. Here are some convincing reasons to consider it.
Helps Fetch Data On the Go
The Requests library makes it easy to send different HTTP requests. It doesn’t require you to manually add the query to the URL, making your task more efficient.
The library also handles exceptions. For instance, the server may fail to respond on time or be unreachable. The errors typically slow down the scraping. However, the library detects and resolves the HTTP errors using HTTPError class.
Ease of Use
The library features an elegant design. It contains HTTP verbs as methods that you can easily convert to JSON without writing your decode method. This makes it easy for developers to work with and comprehend the data.
Developers use the GET request to retrieve content from the server and HEADERS to pass additional information along with requests.
You also need not adjust the content type because Requests does everything for you. The additional features like requests hooks and sessions handle cookies firmly.
Customization and Automation
The Requests library also allows you to make requests with custom HTTP headers. Besides, it eliminates the need for manual work by automating your task.
Consequently, web scraping becomes quicker and more convenient. You can also use Requests to handle query parameters, perform POST requests and download images.
The library also allows you to use it with proxies – making scraping even more secure!
Requests Library Vs. Other Similar Libraries
Although the Python requests library facilitates headers, parameters, and cookies and handles errors and timeouts, you’ll find numerous other libraries to make data extraction convenient.
- Axios. Axios is another popular requests library that allows users to make HTTP requests from the server while browsing. It utilizes promises to convert data from requests and responses and automatically modifies JSON data. The library also implements Promise API.
- SuperAgent is a concise and versatile AJAX library that improves readability. Its learning curve is slightly less than other similar libraries. You can use it to make GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests.
- GRequests. A relatively older library, GRequests allows users to make requests simultaneously. However, it doesn’t have advanced features like the Requests library.
Numerous libraries enable Python developers to make requests, but Requests take practicality to the next level with its simple interface, minimal learning curve, and automation.
Conclusion
Businesses seek automation and convenience given the fast-paced digital world like today. Data extraction has its benefits, but speeding up the task boosts productivity and efficiency at work.
Fortunately, the Python requests library makes it easier to make requests, handle cookies, tackle errors, and secure web scraping.
It offers a flexible and dynamic way to interact with web servers. Although it is widely used in the web-scraping ecosystem, you can utilize it for other unique projects, given its versatility.
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