Difference Between Scripting Language and Programming Language

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is a computer language used by programmers to create software programs, scripts, or other sets of instructions that computers can execute.

Despite the fact that many languages share similarities, each has its own syntax. After learning the language's rules, grammar, and structure, a programmer writes the source code in a text editor or an IDE (integrated development environment). The programmer will then frequently compile the code into machine language that the computer can understand. Scripting languages that do not require a compiler run the script using an interpreter.

Advantages of Programming Languages

• They can be used to create programs to control the behavior of the machine or to express algorithms
   
• It is very easy to program once you know the syntax of the programming language, and you will get new showcases in your work
   
• Programming languages allow simple creation and editing in a variety of text editors. They help you add dynamic and interactive activities to the web pages
   
• OOP languages (Object-Oriented Languages) provide you with a clear modular structure for the programs which makes it good for defining abstract data types

Applications of Programming Languages

• Programming languages are used to build games, embedded software, medical technologies, and automation in automobiles
   
• With the changing nature of data analysis, programming languages such as R and Python are increasingly being used to drive sophisticated analytics and data science
   
• Programming Languages are used in the development of operating systems

Difference Between Scripting Language and Programming Language

Now that we know what programming and scripting languages are, let’s create a table of differences for quick reference and recap.

Key Differences Between Programming and Scripting Languages

While both programming and scripting languages are used to communicate instructions to computers, there are some key distinctions between them:

1. Compilation vs. Interpretation:

• Programming Languages: Traditionally compiled languages go through a compilation step. The source code written in a programming language is translated into machine code, a low-level language understood directly by the computer's processor. This compiled machine code can then be run on the target system without needing the compiler again. (Examples: C++, Java)
• Scripting Languages: Interpreted languages don't require a separate compilation step. The code is interpreted line by line by an interpreter program at runtime. This interpreter translates the code into instructions the computer can understand during execution. (Examples: Python, JavaScript)
   

2. Complexity and Power:

• Programming Languages: Generally designed for complex software development. They offer more control over system resources, memory management, and program structure. This complexity can lead to a steeper learning curve.
• Scripting Languages: Often simpler and easier to learn compared to programming languages. They are typically used for automating tasks, web development, or adding functionalities to existing programs.
   

3. Application Areas:

• Programming Languages: Used for building large-scale applications, operating systems, device drivers, and complex software requiring high performance and efficiency.
• Scripting Languages: Often used for web development (front-end and back-end), scripting tasks within larger programs, configuration files, and rapid prototyping.
   

4. Error Handling:

• Programming Languages: Typically require stricter error handling during the compilation stage. Errors can cause the compilation to fail, requiring debugging before the program can run.
• Scripting Languages: Errors are often detected during interpretation or runtime. This can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior if not handled properly.
   

5. Portability:

• Programming Languages: Compiled machine code might be specific to a particular computer architecture. To run on different systems, the program might need to be recompiled for that specific platform.
• Scripting Languages: Interpreted languages are generally more portable as the code itself can be run on different systems as long as the interpreter for that language is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Python a programming or scripting language?

Python is a high-level interpreted programming language referred to as one of the most popular scripting languages.

Which is better: programming language or scripting language?

It really depends on the use case, as we know both languages exist. The use of a compiler, which detects all the errors at once after compiling the program, makes programming languages faster. Scripting languages, in contrast, require an interpreter that examines a program line by line, which makes them slow.

What is the difference between scripting and programming language?

Scripting languages are interpreted, simpler, often used for automation tasks. Programming languages are compiled, more complex, for complex software development.

Is C++ a scripting or programming language?

C++ is a programming language.

Is SQL a programming language or scripting language?

SQL is a query language, not strictly programming or scripting, but often used in conjunction with scripting languages.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the difference between Scripting Language and Programming Language. They're both like different tools in a toolbox. Scripting languages are great for quick tasks and web stuff, while programming languages are the hammers and wrenches for building complex software.

Recommended Readings: 

• Julia Programming Language
   
• R Programming Language
   
• Difference Between Procedural and Object Oriented Programming
   

Level Up In Your Career With Our Premium Courses | Enroll Now

So, now you know how programming languages differ from scripting languages, you’re ready to pick one for you. But again, you should keep in mind that the language you choose will depend entirely on your use case and what you wish to accomplish with it. For more such questions, visit web iq quiz

If you find yourself confused, don’t hesitate in visiting coding ninjas, where we have courses on programming languages, including C++, Java, and such languages as Python, and Ruby on Rails. We’ll ensure you reach the top, no matter where you start!