Differences Between Programming Languages and Scripting Languages (Finally Explained)
Programming languages like C and Java were used to develop applications such as Word, Excel, browsers, and games. Over time, the need for more functionality led to the development of scripting languages to update programs.
Back in the day when Charles Babbage blessed the world with the Analytical Engine, humans had to learn the binary language. The absence of tools or devices that would convert natural language into machine language made it necessary.
The increasing complexity of computer applications paved the path for assembly languages into the world of computers. These languages allowed humans to interact with machines using alphabets, numbers, and symbols.
They were not portable, though. They could only be used on a single device.
Programming languages came to the forefront in such situations. They were easy to write, easy to understand, and machine-independent.
Initially, programming languages were created to create applications like Word, Excel, browsers, games, and so forth. C and Java were used to create these programs.
However, as time went on, there was a greater need to update programming languages, and programmes required a way to add new functionalities. As a result, scripting languages were developed.
Today both programming languages and scripting languages are used interchangeably. But, there are various aspects that make them different from one another.
Let’s begin.
Programming Language VS Scripting Language
Code Execution
In general, programming languages are often compiled. The code is first written in a language understandable to humans.
It is then fed through a compiler where it is transformed into a language understandable to the computer and executable on the machine’s hardware. The compiled code is then fed through the machine to provide an output understandable to humans.
A small error anywhere in the code would result in the programming language throwing up an error and producing no output whatsoever.
Let us take the example of a simple “Hello World” program in C++
A simple “Hello World” code in C++ would produce an output like this-
A “Hello World” program with errors would not produce any output at all. Instead, it will direct the user’s attention to the errors found during compilation.
Following is the error associated with the piece of code- The file that contains the definition of the symbol “cout” and the function “getch( )” is missing.
A close comparison with the output above would help you figure out the missing piece of the puzzle- the “iostream.h” file. This is a header file that enables the C++ compiler to take user inputs and produce the desired output as well as bring the execution to a halt.
Programming languages can be better understood with the example of a coffee vending machine. A simple click of a button is enough to obtain a mood-refreshing cup of coffee. But, a slight shortage of any necessary ingredient would spoil the mood and leave you with absolutely nothing to look up to in the cup.
Since, in the case of programming languages, the code is first translated into machine language, it tends to be fast and efficient.
Some prominent examples of programming languages are C++, C, Pascal, COBOL, and Java.
In contrast, scripting languages are often interpreted, meaning that the code is read line-by-line, and executed directly as it is read.
To understand this let’s observe a situation where you crave tea after a long day of work.
You can either prepare tea all by yourself or ask your mum to prepare it for you once you make the return to your comfort zone. Irrespective of the person in the kitchen, the step-by-step process followed to achieve the final goal (a nice cup of tea) would be the same. Any kind of distraction in tea preparation would spoil both the tea as well as your mood. But unlike the case of the coffee vending machine, you would still have something in your containers to look up to and learn from.
Scripting languages since they are interpreted line by line, tend to be slower and less efficient than compiled programs.
Some popular examples are Perl, Python, JavaScript, etc.
Overall, the difference in the method of code execution between programming languages and scripting languages comes down to the level of optimization and flexibility required for the application being developed.
Programming languages tend to be compiled for maximum performance, while scripting languages tend to be interpreted for maximum flexibility.
Syntax
Programming languages are typically more formal and structured, with preset rules that require them to be written using specific commands in a particular way. They often require more planning and organization to create a program that will work correctly.
For example, in programming languages like Java or C++, you need to define the type of data you're working with and declare variables before you use them. You also need to use semicolons to end each line of code and use curly braces to indicate the beginning and end of code blocks.
Scripting languages, on the other hand, are generally more flexible and forgiving when it comes to syntax. They often have a more informal structure and may allow for shortcuts or abbreviations that can make the code faster and easier to write.
For example, in programming languages like Java or C++, you need to define the type of data you're working with and declare variables before you use them. You also need to use semicolons to end each line of code and use curly braces to indicate the beginning and end of code blocks.
Scripting languages, on the other hand, are generally more flexible and forgiving when it comes to syntax. They often have a more informal structure and may allow for shortcuts or abbreviations that can make the code faster and easier to write.
For example, in scripting languages like JavaScript or Python, you don't always need to declare variables before using them, and you don't need to end each line of code with a semicolon. In some cases, you can even leave out brackets or parentheses that would be required in a programming language.
Overall, the syntax of programming languages tends to be more formal and structured, while the syntax of scripting languages tends to be more flexible and informal. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the syntax of a particular language can vary depending on its design and purpose.
Execution Time
In general, programming languages are designed to execute complex tasks, and often involve compiling the code into an executable format before running it. This process can take longer, but it typically results in faster execution times once the program is running.
Programming languages also tend to be more optimized for performance, with features like memory management and lower-level access to hardware that can allow them to run faster and more efficiently.
Scripting languages, on the other hand, are generally designed for more lightweight tasks, and often involve interpreting the code on the go as they are executed.
This can make the initial execution time faster since there is no need to compile the code beforehand. However, it can also mean that the program may run more slowly or inefficiently over time since the interpreter must continue to read and execute the code as it runs.
Scripting languages also tend to prioritize ease of use and flexibility over performance, with features like dynamic typing and automatic memory management that can make it easier to write and modify code quickly.
Overall, the execution time of a programming language versus a scripting language can depend on a number of factors, including the specific task being performed, the hardware being used, and the optimization of the code itself. However, in general, programming languages tend to prioritize performance and efficiency, while scripting languages prioritize ease of use and flexibility.
Memory Allocation
Memory allocation refers to the way that a program reserves and uses memory space in the computer's memory. This can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of the program.
In general, programming languages tend to give the programmer more control over memory allocation, with features like pointers and manual memory management that allow the programmer to directly allocate and deallocate memory as needed. This can be useful for certain types of programs that require fine-tuned control over memory usage, such as operating systems or high-performance applications.
However, manual memory management can also be error-prone, and can lead to problems like memory leaks or segmentation faults if not done carefully. In addition, it can be more time-consuming and complex to write code that manages memory directly.
Scripting languages, on the other hand, typically use automatic memory management, also known as garbage collection. This means that the language automatically allocates and deallocates memory as needed, without requiring the programmer to do so manually. This can make the code easier to write and debug, since the programmer doesn't need to worry about memory management issues as much.
However, automatic memory management can also be less efficient than manual memory management, since it may allocate more memory than necessary, or may introduce overhead due to the garbage collection process. In addition, it may not be well-suited for certain types of programs that require precise control over memory usage.
Overall, the difference in memory allocation between programming languages and scripting languages comes down to the level of control and complexity that the programmer wants or needs. Programming languages offer more direct control over memory allocation, while scripting languages prioritize ease of use and simplicity through automatic memory management.
Error Handling
Error handling refers to the way that a program detects and responds to errors that occur during execution. This can include errors like syntax errors, runtime errors, or exceptions.
In general, programming languages tend to offer more robust error-handling mechanisms than scripting languages. This is because programming languages are often used for more complex and critical applications, where errors can have serious consequences.
Programming languages typically offer a variety of error-handling mechanisms, such as exception handling or error codes, that allow the programmer to detect and respond to errors in a variety of ways. This can include logging the error, displaying an error message to the user, or attempting to recover from the error in some way.
In contrast, scripting languages may have more limited error-handling mechanisms, since they are often used for simpler tasks that are less critical. Scripting languages may rely more on the operating system's built-in error-handling mechanisms, or may simply terminate the program if an error occurs.
However, this is not always the case, and some scripting languages may offer robust error-handling mechanisms as well.
Overall, the difference in error-handling between programming languages and scripting languages comes down to the level of complexity and criticality of the applications being developed. Programming languages offer more robust error-handling mechanisms, while scripting languages may rely more on the operating system's built-in error handling or may have more limited error-handling capabilities.
Use Cases of Programming languages
Programming languages are used in a wide range of applications, including developing operating systems, databases, web applications, mobile apps, video games, and more.
They are also used in scientific research and data analysis, as well as in finance and other industries that require complex calculations and simulations.
Programming languages can be used to create custom software solutions for businesses or to automate repetitive tasks, and are essential for many careers in technology and software development.
Common Uses of Programming Languages:
1. Web Development:
Front-end: Languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used to create interactive and responsive websites.
Back-end: Languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js are used to build server-side logic and handle databases.
2. Mobile App Development:
iOS: Swift and Objective-C are commonly used for developing apps for Apple's iOS platform.
Android: Java, Kotlin, and Flutter (Dart) are used for Android app development.
3. Desktop Application Development:
Languages like C++, C#, and Java are used for building desktop applications across various operating systems.
4. Data Science and Machine Learning:
Python is the primary language for data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence due to its rich libraries like NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow, and sci-kit-learn.
5. Game Development:
Game engines like Unity (C#), Unreal Engine (C++), and Godot (GDScript) use specific languages to create games.
6. Embedded Systems:
C and C++ are frequently used to develop embedded systems software, including IoT devices and microcontrollers.
7. Scientific Computing:
Languages like Python, Julia, and MATLAB are used for mathematical modelling, simulations, and scientific research.
8. DevOps and Automation:
Languages like Bash, Python, and Ruby are used for writing scripts to automate tasks, manage servers, and orchestrate deployment pipelines.
9. Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing:
Python is widely used for AI and NLP applications, with libraries like spaCy, NLTK, and GPT popular choices.
10. Database Management:
SQL (Structured Query Language) is used for managing and querying relational databases.
Use Cases of Scripting Languages
Scripting languages are often used for simpler tasks that require automation or customization.
They are commonly used for writing scripts that automate repetitive tasks, such as file management, data processing, or system administration.
They are also used for web development, particularly for front-end tasks like scripting web pages, validating forms, or handling user input. Scripting languages are often used in scientific research and data analysis, as well as in gaming and animation. Overall, scripting languages are flexible tools that can be used to quickly create simple programs or automate routine tasks.
Common Uses of Scripting Languages:
1. Automation:
Scripting languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell are commonly used to automate repetitive tasks, such as file manipulation, system administration, and data processing.
2. Web Scraping:
Python, in particular, is widely used for web scraping to extract data from websites. Libraries like BeautifulSoup and Scrapy make this process easier.
3. Text Processing and Parsing:
Scripting languages are often used for text manipulation, data extraction, and parsing structured or unstructured data formats like XML, JSON, and CSV.
4. Prototyping and Rapid Development:
Scripting languages like Ruby and Python are favoured for quickly developing and testing concepts and prototypes due to their concise syntax and high-level abstractions.
5. Configuration Management:
Tools like Ansible and Puppet use scripting languages (Python, Ruby) to manage configurations, deploy software, and automate server provisioning.
6. Web Development:
Some web frameworks, such as Ruby on Rails (Ruby) and Flask/Django (Python), utilise scripting languages for building web applications, especially for smaller-scale projects.
7. Data Analysis and Visualization:
Python with libraries like NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib is often used for data analysis, statistical modelling, and generating data visualisations.
8. System Monitoring and Reporting:
Scripting languages can be employed to create custom monitoring scripts for tracking system performance and generating reports.
9. Shell Scripting:
Bash and PowerShell are scripting languages primarily used for writing scripts to automate tasks within a command-line interface (CLI).
10. Testing and Quality Assurance:
Scripting languages can be used to write test scripts and perform automated testing, such as unit and integration testing.
We did our best to explain the key distinctions between scripting and coding. We've taken into account both its benefits and uses as well. Now it's your turn to become an expert in coding or scripting, but remember that you can become an expert in both. Just apply for our full-stack web development courses for more details.