If you want a one-word answer for the difference between scripting and programming languages, then it is ‘no.’ There is no difference between them as the line which differentiates them is blurred now, and when we talk about the practical applications, there is no scope of mentioning about differences. But, if you want to know what is scripting and want a comparative answer of scripting Vs programming, then read on this post.
What is Scripting Language?
A scripting language is nothing but a programming language which does not require a clear compilation step. For example, when you run C program, you need to compile it first, but when you run a JavaScript, then you don’t need to do this. So, we can say that the JavaScript is a scripting language.
Scripting Language Vs Programming Language
FYI, to make the programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Browsers, etc. the programming languages are written. These languages include C, C++, Java, etc. The coding of these programs needed to be formed in the way that the user can easily create or add new functionality to them. For this, a proper bytecode was needed to create the clear and right interface. This need led to the invention (born) of the scripting language.
In a simple manner, a programming language is an artificial language which allows communicating between instructions and machine (computer) while a scripting language is a form of programming language which helps to control one or multiple applications without the need of compilation.
Let’s take a look at the quick compare chart of Scripting Vs Programming
| Factor | Scripting Language | Programming Language |
| Type of language | Interpreter based | Compiler based |
| Usage | To combine existing components | To develop from scratch |
| Running | Inside other program (dependent) | Independent of a parent program |
| Conversion | High level instructions converted to machine language | Full program converted to machine language in one time |
| Design | Makes coding simple and fast | Gives full use of language |
| Compilation | No need to compile | Needs to compile first |
| File type | Does not create a file type | Creates a .exe file |
| Coding type | It is a small piece of code | It is a full code of a program |
| Time to develop | Less time as required less code | More time as you need to write the full code |
| Complexity | Easy to write and use | Difficult |
| Interpretation | It is interpreted in another program | Stand-alone compile result, no need to be interpreted by another program |
| Length | Only a few and short lines of coding | Numerous lines for every function |
| Hosting requirement | Requires a host | Self-executable, no host needed |
| Support | Limited or no support to user interface design, data types, and graphic design | Rich support to user interface design, data types, and graphic design |
| Cost | Low maintenance | High maintenance |
| Example | JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Perl, VB Script, etc. | C, C++, Java, Pascal, C#, VB, Basic, COBOL, etc. |
With the modern hardware and compilation techniques, the line between scripting and programming languages is getting more and more blurry. Languages like Python sits in both the types because many coders use this language without a compilation step, but the central part of implementation needs a compilation, and only after that it can be run in the bytecode.
Scripting Vs Coding
Same way like the programming, coding can be defined as the type of catch to write computer language, and the scripting is a particular kind of coding. Ruby, Python, PHP, etc. are the examples of coding. Scripting is an easy way of automating the process which is needed to be done step-by-step by a user.
Summarization and Conclusion
We hope this post had given you a clear idea about the differences of scripting Vs programming languages and how they are useful for particular tasks.
In summary, scripting languages are easy-to-write, doesn’t need compilation, and runs inside other application or program. In the advanced technical world, scripting languages are used to design complex software and programs. While the programming languages like C, Java, etc. run in a parent program and are still widely used in a traditional manner to build the full versions of applications and software. They can be used on any platform.
The modern developers are building interpreter using programming languages and then use it as scripting languages. So, the concern is not about which language falls into which category and which features it has, but it is about the job you have to finish and which language will suit it better as the different languages have their own strengths as well as weaknesses.
Jibin says
In the table it is given that the programming language is “independent of a parent program” and in summarization and Conclusion it is written “While the programming languages like C, Java, etc. run in a parent program and are still widely used in a traditional manner to build the full versions of applications and software.”
Anonymous says
Great explaination !
Shah Alam says
Very excellent