Scripting language: Difference between revisions

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{{quotation|A scripting language, script language or extension language, is a programming language that controls a software application. "Scripts" are often treated as distinct from "programs", which execute independently from any other application. At the same time they are distinct from the core code of the application, which is usually written in a different language, and by being accessible to the end user they enable the behavior of the application to be adapted to the user's needs. Scripts are often, but not always, interpreted from the source code or "semi-compiled" to bytecode which is interpreted, unlike the applications they are associated with, which are traditionally compiled to native machine code for the system on which they run. Scripting languages are nearly always embedded in the application with which they are associated.}} ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_language Wikipedia], retrieved 10:05, 18 August 2008 (UTC)).
{{quotation|A scripting language, script language or extension language, is a programming language that controls a software application. "Scripts" are often treated as distinct from "programs", which execute independently from any other application. At the same time they are distinct from the core code of the application, which is usually written in a different language, and by being accessible to the end user they enable the behavior of the application to be adapted to the user's needs. Scripts are often, but not always, interpreted from the source code or "semi-compiled" to bytecode which is interpreted, unlike the applications they are associated with, which are traditionally compiled to native machine code for the system on which they run. Scripting languages are nearly always embedded in the application with which they are associated.}} ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_language Wikipedia], retrieved 10:20, 18 August 2008 (UTC)).


In [[User:Daniel K. Schneider|Daniel K. Schneider]]'s opinion, the distinction between a scripting language and a "normal" programming language is not an easy one. Scripting languages usually are:
In [[User:Daniel K. Schneider|Daniel K. Schneider]]'s opinion, the distinction between a scripting language and a "normal" programming language is not an easy one. Scripting languages usually are:
* interpreted (or compiled on the fly to some code that is then executed)
* interpreted (or compiled on the fly to some code that is then executed)
* an extension of some software (e.g. a web browser, a web server, a game, a [[multimedia authoring environment]].  
* an extension of some software (e.g. a web browser, a web server, a game, a [[multimedia authoring environment]]).  
* simple, e.g. usually don't require variable and class definition.
* simple, e.g. usually don't require variable declarations or class definitions.
However, popular scripting languages like JavaScript and PHP are defined independently of an application, can be run in several environments and allow also for a more strict type of programming...
However, popular scripting languages like JavaScript and PHP are defined independently of an application, can be run in several environments and allow also for a more strict type of programming...


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; Operating system
; Operating system
Scripting languages firstly appeared to script series of commands for multi-user operating system. It is still good to have some scripting knowledge, e.g. to modify start-up scripts for web services.
* [[Shell script]]
* [[Shell script]]
* [[Environment variable]]
* [[Environment variable]]
; [[Microworld]]s
* Most microworlds are scriptable, some through a visual programming language.


; [[E-learning]] technology
; [[E-learning]] technology
* [[Sharable Content Object Reference Model]]
Some [[learning object]]s can be scripted to implement an "interface" between user and the web engine, e.g. an [[LMS]] can track user performance.
* E.g. the [[Sharable Content Object Reference Model]] (SCORM) defines a JavaScript extension.


; Virtual environments
; Virtual environments

Revision as of 12:20, 18 August 2008

Draft

“A scripting language, script language or extension language, is a programming language that controls a software application. "Scripts" are often treated as distinct from "programs", which execute independently from any other application. At the same time they are distinct from the core code of the application, which is usually written in a different language, and by being accessible to the end user they enable the behavior of the application to be adapted to the user's needs. Scripts are often, but not always, interpreted from the source code or "semi-compiled" to bytecode which is interpreted, unlike the applications they are associated with, which are traditionally compiled to native machine code for the system on which they run. Scripting languages are nearly always embedded in the application with which they are associated.” (Wikipedia, retrieved 10:20, 18 August 2008 (UTC)).

In Daniel K. Schneider's opinion, the distinction between a scripting language and a "normal" programming language is not an easy one. Scripting languages usually are:

  • interpreted (or compiled on the fly to some code that is then executed)
  • an extension of some software (e.g. a web browser, a web server, a game, a multimedia authoring environment).
  • simple, e.g. usually don't require variable declarations or class definitions.

However, popular scripting languages like JavaScript and PHP are defined independently of an application, can be run in several environments and allow also for a more strict type of programming...

See also: computer programming and end-user programming.

Related entries (in this wiki)

Interactive web pages

There exist various formats for interactive web pages. Most scripting languages are based on ECMAScript and use specific DOM bindings.

Authoring environments
Operating system

Scripting languages firstly appeared to script series of commands for multi-user operating system. It is still good to have some scripting knowledge, e.g. to modify start-up scripts for web services.

Microworlds
  • Most microworlds are scriptable, some through a visual programming language.
E-learning technology

Some learning objects can be scripted to implement an "interface" between user and the web engine, e.g. an LMS can track user performance.

Virtual environments
Web application frameworks

Links