Course overview
This course is designed to equip you with the skills to gather and analyze data from the web like a pro. We start by introducing the basics of API structures, then progress to advanced data retrieval and analysis techniques. Our curriculum covers essential Python tools like the requests library, JSON data handling, data filtering, error management, authentications, and web scraping methods. By the end of this course, you’ll be adept at extracting and analyzing data directly from web pages and integrating it with Pandas for thorough analysis and visualization. We believe in practical learning—each lesson is tailored to real-world applications. This way, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also gain a deep understanding of AI’s practical aspects.
Best of all, you’ll learn by doing—you’ll write code, receive feedback directly in your browser, and apply your skills to several guided projects involving realistic scenarios. This hands-on approach will help you build your portfolio and prepare for your next interview. By the time you complete this course, you’ll be an expert at sourcing and manipulating data from various online sources, ready to take on analytical and development roles.
Key skills
- Understanding and Interacting with APIs using Python
- Advanced Data Retrieval and Analysis
- Refined Data Retrieval Techniques
- Data Extraction and Analysis
- Integration with Pandas for In-Depth Analysis and Visualization
Course outline
APIs and Web Scraping in Python for Data Science [6 lessons]
APIs and the Requests Library 2h
Lesson Objectives- Define what an API is
- Import the requests library
- Differentiate between GET and POST calls
- Explain what JSON data is
- Execute a basic endpoint call using requests
Optional Query Parameters and Data Filtering 2h
Lesson Objectives- Understand the purpose and usage of optional query parameters in API requests.
- Apply query parameters to filter API data requests.
- Handle invalid parameter values and troubleshoot issues.
- Implement pagination in API requests.
Authentication, API Keys, and Rate Limits 2h
Lesson Objectives- Understand the concept of authentication in API usage.
- Obtain and use API keys for accessing protected data.
- Navigate API documentation to understand basic and advanced features.
- Understand API quotas and how they impact data retrieval.
- Understand the concept of rate limits in API usage.
- Apply techniques to avoid exceeding rate limits.
Web Scraping 2h
Lesson Objectives- Understand the concept and ethical considerations of web scraping.
- Learn the practical applications of web scraping.
- Learn techniques to extract data from web pages.
- Handle common errors and exceptions in web scraping.
- Understand the role of HTML elements, IDs, and classes in web scraping.
- Apply CSS selectors for targeted data extraction.
Integrating APIs with Pandas for Data Wrangling 2h
Lesson Objectives- Understand API integration with pandas.
- How to handle data from web pages without APIs.
- How to perform various analyses using DataFrames.
Guided Project: Exploring Financial Data using Nasdaq Data Link API 2h
Lesson Objectives- Retrieve specific economic indicators from the Nasdaq Data Link API to analyze market trends.
- Use authentication to ensure consistent data access.
- Implement optional query parameters to refine data retrieval.
- Integrate the API data with Pandas for efficient data wrangling and analysis.
Projects in this course
Exploring Financial Data using Nasdaq Data Link API
For this project, you’ll become a financial analyst exploring real-world economic data. You’ll use Python to interact with the NASDAQ Data Link API, retrieve financial datasets, then apply Pandas for data wrangling. By visualizing market trends, you’ll develop insights and analytical skills essential for this role.
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
Master skills faster with Dataquest
Go from zero to job-ready
Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.
Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
Challenge yourself with exercises
Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
Showcase your path certification
Share the evidence of your hard work with your network and potential employers.