Programming Language V/s Scripting Language

Programming and Scripting languages look similar to each other, but they differ in several ways. If you are a computer programmer, then it is essential to understand the difference between scripting and programming language. All scripting languages are programming languages.

The main difference between programming and the scripting language is that the scripting language does not require compilation and they can be interpreted easily but programming languages need compilation. Scripting languages were discovered to upgrade the coding which was done in the programming languages. A scripting language helps in adding new functions to the programming languages.

If you want to learn these languages to become a successful developer, you can join the top programming courses provided by recognized training institutes.

Programming Language

A programming language is used for writing programs by using different words and symbols. The programs are a set of instructions given to the computer by the programmers.  A programming language has to be compiled which means that the source code is changed to the machine code. Computers cannot understand human languages and computers understand only languages 0 and 1. Therefore, programming languages are used to give instructions to computers. There is a set of rules available for each programming language and the rules are called syntax. Programming languages are used by programmers for developing web applications, desktop apps, mobile apps, etc.

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Important Features of Programming Languages

Some of the important features of programming languages are:

  • These are simple and easy to learn but a programming language has a predefined structure such as a set of rules, syntax, semantics, etc.
  • Another important feature of programming languages is that they can hide complex details that are not useful for programmers.
  • Programming languages are highly efficient and can be transformed easily. They do not consume too much memory on a computer.
  • Programming languages can be easily transferred from one system to another.

Applications of Programming Languages

  • Basic programming languages such as C, and C++, form the building blocks for other programming languages and are used for building larger projects.
  • Programming languages help in creating different apps such as MS Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Programming languages also help to transform the data into an easy-to-understand format.

Scripting Language

A scripting language is a programming language and there is no need for using the compilation step in this language. It is used to automate tasks. For example, JavaScript is a scripting language and does not need compilation to run on the computer.

In the scripting language, a script is written for a particular runtime. In this type of language, an interpreter is used for converting source code to machine code. It is easy to run as it does not require compilation.  It is a programming language of a very high level and can be used for interpreting other computer languages such as python. The scripting language can help in automating different tasks such as text editors, application software, operating system shells, etc.

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Features of Scripting Language

Some important features of scripting languages are:

  • They are easy to learn and provide an excellent beginning for programmers who want to make a career in development. They can be implemented easily.
  • Most scripting languages are available to use without any limits. A programmer has to understand them and use them in the existing system. They are open source and can be used throughout the world by anyone for web development.
  • They are powerful and important tasks that can be completed using scripts. They are easily extensible.
  • Another feature of scripting languages is that they can easily be sent from one platform to another because they execute on the visitor’s web browser. They do not need additional software for execution and can be easily used on any browser, operating system, or platform.
  • They need small memory in the systems because they use an interpreter for converting the source code to the machine code.
  • Scripting languages are very safe and secure and help in avoiding illicit operations.

Benefits of Scripting Language

There are numerous benefits of using a scripting language. Some of the important benefits are:

  • With this language, it is easy to apply and learn coding and a person does not need to have much information about web technology.
  • A large number of libraries are available that can help programmers to develop new apps easily.
  • A scripting language can help in adding visual interfaces and different web pages. Programmers can create enhanced web pages by using the scripting language.
  • It is an efficient language because it requires a lesser number of data structures and variables.
  • The codes used in the scripting language are easy to understand and write as compared to other programming languages.

Applications of Scripting Language

  • A scripting language helps in automating a particular task in a program
  • It also helps in extracting useful information from a dataset.

Different Types of Programming Languages

There are five main types of programming languages: 

  • First generation, 
  • Second generation, 
  • Third generation, 
  • Fourth generation, and 
  • Fifth generation.

Different Types of Scripting Languages

The two types of scripting languages are as follows: 

  • Client-side 
  • Server-side

To learn these languages, you can get enrolled in the top programming courses from reliable and recognized institutes and get certified as a proficient developer. Now, let’s see the side-by-side comparison of both languages.

Comparison Between a Programming and Scripting Language

Programming Language Scripting Language
A programming language is used for giving instructions to the computer. It is a type of programming language that helps in automating the execution of tasks.
This language has to be compiled before execution. It does not require compilation and can use an interpreter.
This language helps in developing an application from the beginning. This language helps in combining existing parts and automating a particular task.
This language can run independently and does not require any other program. This language needs another program to run.
A compiler is used for converting the source code to machine code. This requires an interpreter for converting the source code to machine code.
The entire code can be converted into machine code in one part because a compiler is used. The source code is converted into machine code in parts because an interpreter is used.
It is difficult to write code in a programming language because each line or task has a different code. It is easy to write code in the scripting language because the code can be finished in a few lines.
It takes more time to develop an app using the programming language. It takes less time to develop an app using the scripting language.
The maintenance cost is high in a programming language. The maintenance cost is less in the scripting language.
Only some programming languages are scripting languages. All scripting languages are programming languages.
A programming language provides very little help for data types, interface designing, and graphic designing. A scripting language provides excellent support for data types, user interface design, and graphic design.
Programming languages include Java, C, C++, COBOL, Scala, etc. Scripting languages include Python, Perl, JavaScript, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most important difference between the programming language and the scripting language is the execution of the code. A scripting language can be used for writing codes from the already available structure. Programming languages are mainly used for different types of apps and software. A scripting language helps in adding visual effects and other functions to the apps. 

Both programming languages and scripting languages have their advantages and disadvantages, but they are used simultaneously for web development.

FAQs

  • Are scripting languages more difficult to learn than programming languages?

Ans. No, it is easier to learn and implement a scripting language than a programming language.

  • Is SQL programming or a scripting language?

Ans. SQL is a scripting language and does not require compilation. It only requires an interpreter to convert the source code into the machine code.

  • Which is an easy scripting language?

Ans. JavaScript and PHP are easy-to-learn scripting languages.

  • Is HTML programming or a scripting language?

Ans. HTML is a programming language, and it is useful for designing web pages.

  • When is a scripting language used?

Ans. A scripting language is used for automating a particular task in a program.

  • How do programming languages help the programmer?

Ans. Programming languages help the programmer to complete the code and develop the software.

  • Is it difficult to develop software using the programming language?

Ans. Yes, it is a little difficult to develop software using the programming language because many lines of code are required for completing a particular task.

  • Do programming languages work faster than scripting languages?

Ans. Yes, programming languages work faster than scripting languages because they use a compiler for converting the source code into machine code.

  • Give a few examples of scripting languages.

Ans. Python, JavaScript, PHP, etc. are some of the scripting languages.

  • Name some popular programming languages.

Ans. C, C++, Scala, and COBOL are some popular programming languages.