Overview of the web scraper Parsehub

Parsehub is a web scraping tool designed to efficiently extract data from websites, even for users without prior programming skills. It employs advanced machine learning algorithms to navigate and interpret dynamic websites that utilize JavaScript and AJAX. Parsehub offers the flexibility to handle various data types and can manage sites that require user authentication or specific inputs to access information.

The versatility of Parsehub makes it a popular choice across multiple industries:

• Marketing and analytics: professionals in these fields use Parsehub to track pricing, analyze consumer behavior, and refine pricing and promotional strategies.
• Finance: in the financial sector, Parsehub assists in gathering financial data and market trends, aiding in making well-informed investment decisions.
• Academic research: researchers and institutions leverage it to streamline data collection from scientific publications and databases, thus speeding up research processes.

Moreover, Parsehub's applications extend to other sectors like SEO, e-commerce, and reputation management, showcasing its broad utility.

Features of the Parsehub tool

Parsehub is equipped with a robust array of features, making it highly versatile for executing virtually any web scraping task. Notably, it integrates machine learning algorithms that recognize patterns in data and web page structures, simplifying the configuration of scraping tasks and enhancing the precision of data extraction. Additionally, Parsehub offers a visual interface that allows users to easily create and configure projects, further adding to its user-friendly appeal. Next, we will explore the key features of Parsehub in more detail.

Automation

Automation in Parsehub is comprised of two main components: the API and the task scheduler.

• The API facilitates the automation of data scraping processes, enabling the integration of scraped data into external systems and applications. Developers can utilize the API to initiate and manage scraping projects, receive results in real-time, and export them in various formats. This integration capability significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, streamlining the incorporation of data into ongoing business processes. Comprehensive documentation on how to integrate and use the API is available on the developer's website.
• The task scheduler allows users to set up automatic execution of scraping tasks based on a predefined schedule. This function supports various frequencies, such as daily, weekly, or monthly, and can also be configured to initiate scraping at specific dates and times. By automating the scraping process, the scheduler ensures that data remains current and is retrieved exactly when needed, all while minimizing the need for continuous manual oversight.

Together, these features create a robust automation system within Parsehub, empowering users to efficiently scale and optimize their data collection efforts.

Data export from multiple pages

Parsehub is equipped with sophisticated tools designed for scalable and efficient data collection from web pages linked together. This platform enables users to set up scraping projects that automatically navigate through a website’s internal links, methodically extracting data from each page encountered and consolidating it into a unified dataset. The platform is adept at handling dynamically generated web pages that use JavaScript and AJAX, making it possible to scrape data from complex websites effectively.

Additionally, Parsehub allows users to configure various interactions on the site, including clicking on links, filling out forms, site authentication, and handling pagination. These advanced automation features enable a thorough and accurate analysis of data structures. This capability ensures not only the effective extraction of content but also its detailed structuring and classification, which is vital for comprehensive data analysis.

Data upload via Excel, API, JSON

Parsehub supports exporting data in several popular formats to accommodate various user needs, including Excel, JSON, and via an API.

• Export to Excel: data is exported in structured tables, making this format ideal for users who require visual representations for further calculations or reporting. It is particularly useful for those in fields like analytics or finance, where organized data is crucial for decision-making.
• JSON export: this format enhances flexibility in data management, making it easier to integrate with web applications, and is compatible with numerous programming languages. JSON export is particularly beneficial for web developers needing seamless data transfer between systems.
• Using APIs: the API export option extends the platform's automation capabilities, providing access to real-time data and enabling integration into both corporate and external applications. This is essential for systems that demand up-to-date information, allowing developers to tailor data processing to specific operational requirements.

Together, these export mechanisms significantly streamline the integration and analysis of scraped data, enhancing the overall utility of the Parsehub platform for a wide range of professional applications.

Pricing of the Parsehub

The pricing structure for the parser is quite comprehensive, accommodating users with varying budget constraints. Additionally, a free version of the tool is available, making it accessible to a broader audience. We will now examine in more detail all the subscription options available.

Everyone

The free plan offers access to the basic features of the parser but comes with certain limitations: it allows parsing of only 200 pages, which takes about 40 minutes, and the extracted data is stored for just 14 days. This plan is ideal for those looking to evaluate the tool’s capabilities.

Standard

This plan enables parsing up to 10,000 pages within a single project. Starting from this tier, users gain the ability to integrate third-party services such as Dropbox and Amazon S3. It also includes features like IP address configuration and rotation, as well as the execution of deferred tasks. The cost of the “Standard” plan is $189 per month.

Professional

Geared toward more advanced requirements, this plan includes all the features of the Standard plan and allows an unlimited number of pages per project. Additional benefits include fast scraping capabilities, 200 pages in 2 minutes, and priority online support. The “Professional” plan is priced at $599 per month.

ParseHub Plus

Designed for corporate clients and handling complex, large-scale tasks, the “ParseHub Plus” plan offers full customization of the parser to meet specific needs, along with premium online support available at any time. Pricing and terms for this plan are negotiated directly with a ParseHub manager.

It's also important to mention that a 15% discount is applied when placing an order for a period of 3 months or more.

Interface of the Parsehub

The Parsehub interface is designed to be minimalistic, focusing on simplified management and project execution. All controls are conveniently positioned on the left panel. We will explore the available tabs in more detail below.

Projects

In this tab, users are presented with several interactive options:

• Creating a new project;
• Importing an existing project;
• Unloading all active projects.

Upon selecting “New Project”, a new workspace will open where the target site's link can be inserted to begin the project setup.

Additionally, at the bottom of the page, users can find the “Tutorials” button which provides access to detailed instructions on how to use the tool effectively. There is also an option to contact online support for any immediate assistance or queries.

Runs

This tab allows users to monitor the status of their projects, showing both the number of projects launched and those that have been successfully completed.

My Account

This section displays details about the user's account, including the active subscription and API key. Users can also change their subscription plan, activate email notifications, and reset built-in tips from here.

Integrations

This tab provides options to manage integrations with third-party services like Dropbox and Amazon S3, which are available only with paid subscription plans.

Plans&Billing

Clicking on this item redirects users to the Parsehub website, where they can modify their subscription plan and view payment history.

Tutorials

The “Tutorials” section is a valuable resource that houses a comprehensive collection of guides. These tutorials cover a range of topics from project creation to advanced settings like proxy server rotation.

Documentation

Selecting this tab will redirect users to a page filled with various documents related to using the tools within the parser, including detailed API documentation.

API

Similar to the “Documentation” tab, clicking on API directs the user to a database containing detailed information about API functionalities.

Contact

This tab allows users to reach out to support with any queries by filling out a contact form on the site. Responses are typically sent via email, facilitating direct communication with the support team.

Setting up a proxy server in the Parsehub parser

Using proxy servers during the data parsing process is crucial for several reasons:

• Firstly, proxy servers help mask the user's original IP address. This is particularly useful for accessing services in countries where the target website may be blocked, as it allows the user to select a proxy from a country where there are no such restrictions.
• Secondly, an important feature of proxy servers is the ability to rotate IP addresses through a proxy manager. This functionality means that each new request sent to a website can originate from a different IP address. IP rotation is beneficial for circumventing limitations on the number of requests a single IP can make to a website and helps prevent the user’s IP address from being blocked.

It is advisable to use only private proxy servers when working with parsers. Private proxies tend to be more reliable and are generally more trusted by target websites. Here’s a detailed guide on how to integrate proxies into Parsehub.

In conclusion, it's worth noting the simplicity and ease of configuring the parser. Setting up a new project in Parsehub is a quick process, often taking just a few minutes. Moreover, the ability to integrate with third-party resources can greatly enhance the quality of data collection, while the proper configuration of proxies can help avoid potential blocks.