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What are the most common errors encountered in web scraping, and how can I troub
Missing elements are a frequent issue, especially if the website layout changes. I update my selectors regularly and use error logging to catch these early.
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7 Replies
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Encountering CAPTCHAs mid-scrape can stop the script. I’ve found that using services like 2Captcha or rotating proxies helps minimize this.
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HTTP 403 or 404 errors often mean the server is blocking requests. Changing user agents or adding headers to mimic a real browser can sometimes solve this.
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Slow response times or timeouts happen on heavily trafficked sites. I usually add a retry mechanism with exponential backoff to handle this.
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Unexpected JavaScript changes can break scrapers. Tools like Playwright or Puppeteer, which handle dynamic content better, have been lifesavers here.
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IP bans can crop up if the server detects unusual traffic. Using residential proxies or rotating through IPs can reduce the risk.
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Parsing errors, like trying to pull from a non-existent element, can be fixed by adding conditional checks or using try-except blocks.
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If none of these work, I sometimes resort to scraping at off-peak hours. Sites often relax restrictions when there’s less user activity.
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