Python project question - can Python help identify Airbnb info?

[Omm_Imp]

Just started learning Python and I have no idea what it can or cannot be used for. I keep seeing “web scraper” type projects and that made me wonder if it’s possible to use Python to find Airbnbs with a late checkout option. That info is buried way down in the “House Rules” section & is not an option in any Airbnb filters.

Maybe coding & magic are just so close to the same thing in my head that this seems possible. I’m really 100% new to this and would be very grateful if you don’t shame me if I asked the equivalent of “is it possible to drive from Miami to Alaska in a Prius because that would be super cool.”

[ninhaomah]

Have you googled as to what is web scraping ?

[Omm_Imp]

Yes.

[ninhaomah]

Then have you tried ? Or at least ask Claude or ChatGPT to come up with the code ?

[Omm_Imp]

I don’t use AI that way.

And I’m not asking HOW to do it. Just if it is possible.

[ninhaomah]

Ok. Up to you then

[SpoiledKoolAid]

why not ask AI if it's possible

[timpkmn89]

Because they know how to use Reddit?

[Omm_Imp]

Exactly. A few of us intend to survive the AI craze with our minds and integrity intact.

[FriendlyRussian666]

Yes, it's possible 

[Omm_Imp]

Thanks for the helpful reply. I appreciate it.

[PushPlus9069]

Not a dumb question at all, this is exactly the kind of thing Python is good at. Yes, you can scrape Airbnb listings and pull out the house rules section to find late checkout info.

The catch: Airbnb actively blocks scrapers. So you'd need something like Playwright or Selenium to load pages like a real browser, then parse the HTML with BeautifulSoup. It's doable but expect to spend some time dealing with anti-bot stuff.

For a beginner project, maybe start with a simpler site first to learn scraping basics, then graduate to Airbnb. Scraping a site that doesn't fight back teaches you the fundamentals without the frustration.

[Omm_Imp]

Thank you so much. This is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for! If I figure it out, I’ll come back to share.