Scraping is the process of extracting data from websites or online sources. This is often done using automated tools or software that can navigate web pages, collect information, and store it in a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or database. Scraping is commonly used for gathering data for research, analysis, or competitive intelligence. While scraping can be useful, it raises ethical and legal concerns. Many websites have terms of service that prohibit scraping, and excessive scraping can overload servers, affecting website performance. It's important for users to understand the rules and guidelines set by the websites they wish to scrape, as well as the potential consequences of violating them.