When it comes to data extraction, web scraping is indispensable. It describes certain techniques used to extract data from websites. Web scraping simplifies the process of data extraction and allows ease of access to extracted data. For sites that do not allow web surfers to copy and paste content, for region-specific content on the website, web scraping is ideal as it automates and simplifies the whole process.
While web scraping simplifies the process of data extraction, proxies are very important to keep the process of web scraping as smooth and as hitch-free as possible. Proxies are a third party server that provides a range of functions including security, privacy, and functionality by allowing you to route your requests through their server. They act as tools that bridge the gap between surfers and websites they browse.
It can be hard to tell which proxy service providers provide quality service, in that case, a proxy provider comparison tool can help you make a choice.
Datacenter proxies
These are one of the cheapest forms of proxies and they are also very easy to obtain. Very suited for users who require a high volume of IP addresses. Data Centers are able to generate a high number of IP addresses easily and very quickly too, these addresses can be discarded very easily. The main downside to using these proxies is that all the proxies generated to share the same subnetwork and can be easily detected and flagged down by websites.
Residential proxies
These proxies are very reliable and are the most secure form of proxies. They are perfect for surfers who want to use an IP address for a prolonged period of time without getting blacklisted by websites. They enable scraping tools to mask their IP address while in use. Residential proxies are not easily accessible and are not cost-friendly.
Shared proxies
This is one of the cheapest proxies available, it allows clients access to the same pool of proxies. While anonymity is guaranteed here, there are several other issues that may arise such as users being blacklisted from certain websites due to activities of other users.
Dedicated proxies
These proxies are quite reliable as they allow only one user at a time thereby eliminating the pitfalls of sharing proxies with other users. These ensure that only a single user is active at a time. However, if a lot of API requests are made with the proxy, it can be easily detected and blacklisted by websites.
Free proxies
These types of proxies are readily available to users and for no charge at all. Like any other proxy, they provide anonymity. The setback here is that activities carried out by the users can be monitored by the server which eliminates the whole purpose of using proxies in the first place.
Rotating proxies
While these would not allow you to use an IP address for a long period of time, they are the ideal and perfect way to achieve anonymity. When in use, each time you connect to the internet, a new IP Address is generated. This prevents the proxy from being banned or blacklisted from a website.
Deciding on which kind of proxy to use can be tasking and frustrating, this guide to web scraping proxies would solve that problem. A proxy provider differs in many ways and is suited to a variety of purposes, you would have to keep this in mind when choosing them!