Scripting Languages vs Programming Languages

Introduction

Quite often, the terms scripting language and programming language are used interchangeably. However, this is wrong as, apart from the fact that both languages are used in the software development field, these two terms are very different from each other.

Let’s learn a bit more about both scripting and programming languages, their key features, and their differences.

Scripting Languages

A programming language created especially for runtime environments is known as a scripting language. Scripting languages facilitate the automation of many software programs, browser web pages, OS (operating system) shell usage, etc. Scripting languages are typically interpreted, rather than compiled, which means that they do not need to be compiled into machine code before they can be run. There are numerous available scripting languages, some of which are Python, Ruby, and JavaScript, and each one of those languages comes with a special set of features and capabilities.

Generally speaking, there exist two types of scripting languages:

• Server-side scripting languages: they are used to create dynamic web content on the server. These languages are executed on the server, and the resulting web page is then sent to the client's web browser. Examples of server-side scripting languages include PHP, Ruby, and Python.

• Client-side scripting languages: they are used to create dynamic web content in the client's web browser. These languages are executed on the client's computer, rather than on the server. Examples of client-side scripting languages include JavaScript and ActionScript.

Main Features of the Scripting Languages

Scripting languages have a number of key features that make them well-suited for a variety of tasks, including automation, web development, and data analysis.

One of the key features of scripting languages is their simplicity. These languages are designed to be easy to learn and use, with a syntax that is often more readable and intuitive than more complex programming languages. This makes them a good choice for beginners and for tasks that do not require the full power of a more complex language.

Another key feature of scripting languages is their flexibility. Since they are interpreted, rather than compiled, they can be easily modified and tested without the need for recompilation. This makes them a good choice for tasks that require rapid prototyping or iteration, as well as for tasks that may require frequent updates or changes.

Scripting languages are also often well-suited for tasks that involve data manipulation and analysis. Many of these languages have built-in support for common data structures and algorithms, as well as libraries and frameworks that make it easy to work with data in a variety of formats.

Finally, scripting languages are often used for web development, due to their simplicity and flexibility. Many of these languages have libraries and frameworks that make it easy to build web applications and interfaces, and they are often integrated with other tools and technologies used in web development, such as databases and servers.

Programming Languages

A programming language is a formal language that is used to write instructions that can be executed by a computer. These instructions, also known as code, are used to create programs that perform specific tasks or solve specific problems. There are many different programming languages available, with the most popular ones being C, C++, and Java, among others.

Programming languages are designed to be precise and concise, making them easy for humans to read and write, but also easy for computers to understand and execute. To do this, they use a set of predefined rules, called syntax, that dictate how the code should be written. These languages are typically compiled , which means that they are translated into machine code that can be directly executed by the computer. The compilation process can take some time, as it involves converting the entire program into machine code before it can be run.

Programming languages are classified into different categories, based on the level of abstraction from the hardware and the type of tasks they are most suitable for. These categories include low-level languages, such as assembly and machine code, which are closer to the hardware and are used for tasks that require fine-grained control over the hardware; and high-level languages, such as C++ and Java, which are further from the hardware and are used for more abstract tasks.

Main Features of the Programming Languages

Programming languages have several key characteristics that make them suitable for a wide range of tasks, including software development and system administration.

One of the key features of programming languages is their simplicity since the majority of modern languages have simple learning curves. Usually, there is a trade-off between a language's speed and abstraction and its simplicity.

Another important feature is their structure – they all have a specific structure that includes things like predefined syntax, semantics, a list of rules, etc.

Programming languages have also a high level of abstraction, which is the capacity of hiding complex features that the users may not need to know. This characteristic is one of the most significant and fundamental ones in all object-oriented programming languages.

Moreover, programming languages are efficient, meaning that they are translated and executed quickly to prevent requiring excessive amounts of memory or taking too much time. Last but not least, they are portable, meaning that it is relatively easy to move them from one computer to another.

Differences between Scripting Languages and Programming Languages

Overall, the main difference between programming languages and scripting languages is the way in which they are executed and the level of abstraction from the hardware. Both types of languages have their own unique set of features and capabilities, and the best language to use will depend on the specific needs of the task at hand. A more granular view of their differences, however, is shown in the table below.

One Pager Cheat Sheet

• Though a scripting language and a programming language may appear to be interchangeable, interpreted scripting languages and compiled programming languages have significantly different features.
• Scripting languages are typically interpreted programming languages used to automate software, web pages and shell usage, such as Python, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, ActionScript, etc., and can be divided into server-side and client-side scripting languages.
• C# is a general-purpose, type-safe, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft which requires compilation prior to execution, and is typically used for developing Windows, Web, and mobile applications.
• Scripting languages are designed for flexibility and simplicity, and are well-suited for tasks such as automation, web development, data manipulation and analysis.
• Scripting languages are dynamically typed and interpreted, while programming languages are statically typed and compiled, and are used for different purposes and tasks.
• Programming languages are designed to be precise and concise and use a set of predefined rules, called syntax, that dictate how the code should be written, which is then compiled into machine code for direct execution by the computer.
• Programming languages are simple, structured, have high levels of abstraction, are efficient, and portable, making them suitable for software development and system administration.
• All programming languages are not scripting languages, as general-purpose languages offer more flexibility and control and allow developers to create more robust and scalable applications with features such as object-oriented development, data structures, and algorithms.
• The main difference between programming languages and scripting languages is their execution and level of abstraction from the hardware.