PDF Parsing
PDF parsing is the process of extracting structured data, text, images, or metadata from Portable Document Format (PDF) files, which are widely used for document sharing and archiving. It involves reading and interpreting the complex binary format of PDFs to access their content programmatically, often for automation, data analysis, or integration into other applications. This skill is essential for handling documents in industries like finance, legal, and healthcare where PDFs are common.
Developers should learn PDF parsing when they need to automate data extraction from documents, such as invoices, reports, or forms, to feed into databases, analytics tools, or workflows. It's particularly useful in scenarios involving bulk processing, compliance checks, or building applications that interact with user-uploaded documents, as it saves time and reduces manual errors compared to manual data entry.