Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYou usually do not need a third-party web scraping API to collect Wikipedia data. Wikipedia runs MediaWiki’s own REST API and Action API: start with REST for common page, search, and history operations, and use Action API when you need its broader query modules. Both are first-party interfaces enabled on Wikimedia projects. Choose the interface by the data and operation you need, identify your client with an HTTP User-Agent, honor rate-limit instructions, and check reuse terms before republishing content.
Does Wikipedia have an API for scraping pages?
Yes. MediaWiki exposes two first-party HTTP interfaces that let a script retrieve wiki information without parsing the visible page in a browser:
- MediaWiki REST API: a smaller, streamlined set of operations with structured URLs. The documentation describes cached responses and routes for searching, retrieving or transforming pages, and accessing page history. Responses can be JSON or HTML. MediaWiki REST API overview
- MediaWiki Action API: a broader interface for wiki operations, including search and page queries. Requests use an
api.phpendpoint and parameters such asaction, a query module, andformat. Action API tutorial
These are not interchangeable wrappers around exactly the same routes. REST is a natural fit when one of its documented resources provides the operation and output you need; Action API is useful when you need a broader operation or query module. A commercial scraping service is not a prerequisite for ordinary scripted access.
Which Wikipedia API should you choose?
| Decision point | MediaWiki REST API | MediaWiki Action API |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Smaller, streamlined documented resource set. | Broader wiki functionality, including query modules. |
| Request shape | Structured REST-style routes, commonly under /w/rest.php/. |
api.php plus action and module parameters. |
| Output and tasks | JSON or HTML; documented routes cover search, page retrieval or transformation, and history. | Commonly JSON; query modules include page properties, matching collections, and metadata. |
| Design notes | MediaWiki documentation describes cached responses and better performance compared with Action API; this is the documentation’s characterization, not a benchmark guarantee. | Choose it when the required operation or module fits its broader interface. |
Start by naming the output you actually need: source or rendered page content, page metadata, search results, or history. Then look for a documented REST route for that task. If the needed operation is not covered, use Action API and consult its reference for the appropriate module and parameters.
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How do I scrape Wikipedia with a web scraping API?
For a simple search, the Action API is a clear starting example. The English Wikipedia endpoint is https://en.wikipedia.org/w/api.php. Its tutorial demonstrates action=query, list=search, srsearch, and format=json. URL-encode search terms rather than inserting raw spaces.
Runnable Python example: search Wikipedia
This example sends a descriptive User-Agent, asks for JSON search results, and checks the HTTP response before reading the response body. It shows the request pattern; consult the live API reference for available parameters and pagination behavior.
import requests
from urllib.parse import quote
endpoint = "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/api.php"
params = {
"action": "query",
"list": "search",
"srsearch": "web scraping",
"format": "json",
}
headers = {
"User-Agent": "ExampleWikipediaReader/1.0 (contact: dev@example.com)"
}
response = requests.get(endpoint, params=params, headers=headers, timeout=30)
response.raise_for_status()
data = response.json()
for result in data.get("query", {}).get("search", []):
print(result["title"], result["pageid"])Replace the example client name and contact with an accurate identity for your application. The optional quote import is not needed in this version because the HTTP library encodes the query parameters; if you construct the URL yourself, encode its values.
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Equivalent cURL request
curl --get "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/api.php"
--header "User-Agent: ExampleWikipediaReader/1.0 (contact: dev@example.com)"
--data-urlencode "action=query"
--data-urlencode "list=search"
--data-urlencode "srsearch=web scraping"
--data-urlencode "format=json"Equivalent Node.js request
const endpoint = new URL("https://en.wikipedia.org/w/api.php");
endpoint.search = new URLSearchParams({
action: "query",
list: "search",
srsearch: "web scraping",
format: "json"
});
const response = await fetch(endpoint, {
headers: {
"User-Agent": "ExampleWikipediaReader/1.0 (contact: dev@example.com)"
}
});
if (!response.ok) {
throw new Error(`Wikipedia API returned HTTP ${response.status}`);
}
const data = await response.json();
for (const result of data.query?.search ?? []) {
console.log(result.title, result.pageid);
}The search response contains structured data rather than a complete rendered article. To retrieve page text, HTML, history, or another property, choose a documented REST route or Action API module for that distinct task; do not assume that changing only the search term turns the search response into full page content. The official references describe the available routes, parameters, and query behavior: REST API reference and Action API etiquette and usage guidance.
How do I get Wikipedia data in JSON?
For Action API requests, include format=json, as in the search example. For REST, use the route and response format documented for the desired operation; the REST API supports JSON or HTML output, but the route determines what content is returned. Keep the layers distinct: the endpoint selects the operation, parameters select or shape the result, and JSON is a representation format—not a promise that every page field or rendered element is present.
For a production collector, process the response according to the endpoint’s schema, handle HTTP errors and missing fields, and follow pagination instructions where a result set is paginated. The Action API reference documents parameter details and pagination behavior; avoid relying on an undocumented shortcut.
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What User-Agent should a Wikipedia scraper send?
Every API request must include an HTTP User-Agent header. MediaWiki’s REST API policy states: “All API requests must include an HTTP User-Agent header.” MediaWiki REST API policies
Use a stable, descriptive client identity that tells operators what software is making requests and provides a useful contact when appropriate. Do not leave a generic or misleading identity in a deployed script. Check Wikimedia’s current User-Agent policy and API usage guidance for the expected format; the cited policy pages can change.
Rate limits, caching, and reliable collection
Do not build around a universal requests-per-second figure. Wikimedia says numerical limits for endpoints may change over time; its API Policy Update 2024, version 1.0 dated August 26, 2024, explains that limits can respond to current and predicted load. Wikimedia Foundation API Policy Update 2024
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- Honor throttling, delay, or reduced-rate instructions returned by the service. Do not attempt to bypass imposed limits.
- Keep request volume conservative and cache results where it makes sense for your application; REST documentation describes cached responses.
- Design retries to respect server instructions rather than repeatedly firing requests. A retry loop that ignores throttling can worsen the problem.
- Recheck the live API Usage Guidelines and Robot policy before deploying a collector whose load or cadence is material. Limits and guidance are subject to change.
The Wikimedia policy update says operators must not circumvent imposed limits. A slow or throttled response is a signal to adapt workload and timing, not a reason to rotate identities or disguise traffic.
Can I reuse or republish scraped Wikipedia content?
Retrieval does not remove the content’s licensing obligations. The license can differ between Wikimedia projects, and particular media or other material can have its own terms. Before redistributing text, images, or a cached dataset, identify the project and the license applicable to that content, preserve required attribution and notices, and comply with redistribution terms. The REST policy page and Wikimedia policy update both direct users to applicable license obligations. If the planned use raises a consequential legal question, seek advice specific to that use rather than assuming all Wikipedia content shares one license. Wikimedia Foundation API Policy Update 2024
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When should you consider Wikimedia Enterprise?
The Action API overview points readers to Wikimedia Enterprise for commercial-scale Wikimedia APIs. That is an escalation path to investigate for sustained or commercial-scale workloads, not a requirement for a small script or ordinary page lookup. Confirm current availability, pricing, eligibility, and service terms directly with Wikimedia; those terms are not established here. MediaWiki Action API overview
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Or skip the browser setup
If what you need is a website screenshot rather than structured Wikipedia page data, ScreenshotNeo is a screenshot API and MCP server, not a replacement for MediaWiki’s data APIs. A single request can capture a URL as an image or PDF. Its clean-shot steps can accept cookie or consent banners and remove known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status. AI agents can use its MCP server tools, including take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf.
Example cURL call (replace the URL with the page you want to capture):
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_scraping -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for the request and options. It offers 1,000 screenshots per month free with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo and get 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Troubleshooting common Wikipedia API problems
- The request fails or is rejected: check that you are using the correct project endpoint and a documented route or Action API parameter combination. Inspect the HTTP status and response body before assuming a parsing bug.
- The response is not JSON: confirm you requested
format=jsonfor Action API, or verify that the REST route supports the representation you expect. Some operations return HTML by design. - The search result is not the full page: search returns search results. Use a page retrieval route or a suitable query module for page content or metadata.
- Your script is being slowed or throttled: reduce request volume and honor returned delay or rate instructions. Check current Wikimedia guidance rather than applying a fixed rate found in an old example.
- You cannot redistribute a downloaded image or text: identify the license for that specific project and content, then follow its attribution and reuse terms. API access alone does not grant a uniform license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid scraping API to collect Wikipedia data?
Not for ordinary programmatic access: Wikimedia provides first-party MediaWiki REST and Action APIs. Consider a commercial-scale option only when the workload and operational requirements justify it.
Can I use the Action API for search and page queries?
Yes. Its query modules include search, page properties, lists, and metadata; use the API reference to select the module and parameters for the specific result you need.
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