A scraper is a versatile tool or device used for various purposes, often associated with scraping, cleaning, or removing unwanted material from a surface. It usually consists of a handle or a gripping mechanism, along with a flat, sharp, or serrated edge, that is used to scrape or cut away material efficiently.
In the context of manual tools, a scraper typically refers to a handheld instrument, such as a putty knife or a paint scraper, which is used to remove paint, varnish, or other coatings from surfaces such as wood, metal, or walls. It functions by applying pressure and sliding the sharp edge across the material to be removed, effectively scraping it away.
Moreover, scrapers are extensively utilized in various industries. In the field of construction, heavy-duty scrapers are employed to remove and clear debris, or to level and smooth surfaces prior to painting or coating. In the culinary world, a scraper is a utensil used to clean and scrape excess dough from surfaces like cutting boards or counters, or to divide a large piece of dough into smaller portions.
Furthermore, in the technology domain, a scraper is a software program or script that automates the extraction of data from websites. These web scrapers navigate through web pages, extract information, and organize it into a structured format, primarily used for data analysis or to create databases.
In summary, a scraper is a multifunctional tool or device, ranging from manual handheld instruments to automated software programs, used for scraping, cleaning, or removing unwanted material or data from various surfaces or sources.
