Dedicated to programming, a script language allows you to write code lines that add specific commands to applications, software or websites. Know how to develop them helps programs prototyper, automate repetitive tasks, carry out lots or interact with the user.
If you need help to code a program, application or functionality for your website, call on a freelance on Coder.com.
There are many Script languageshaving each of the own characteristics. Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, Perl, PowerShell, Groovy… Discover the 15 most used programming languages!
1. Python: The best script language
Very popular, Python is a script language used for web development, data analysis and task automation. The three largest operating systems, Windows, MacOS and Linux, support and execute Python.
This multiplatform language is appreciated for its simplicity, readability and vast library bringing together many modules and multiple features. It is therefore a versatile language that allows you to give free rein to your creativity.
As a bonus: its syntax is easy to learn, which makes it accessible to beginners in programming. Especially since it has an important and active community, always ready to answer your questions.
2. JavaScript: Web language to make scripts
Script language launched in 1995, JavaScript is mainly used to make websites interactive and dynamic. Massively chosen by the developers, it complies with the ECMASCRIFT specifications.
Supported by modern browsers, such as the latest versions of Chrome or Mozilla, it has first class functions: the latter are treated as variables.
Web professionals use it to generate mobile applications, add command lines to HTML pages, create games or develop online services.
Most large applications or recognized websites work with JavaScript. This is the case of Netflix or Paypal, for example.
Its success is explained in particular by its ease of use and its compatibility with other programming languages.
3. PHP: The best web language to make scripts
In the top 3 of Script languages The most famous, let us quote PHP! Acronym for “hypertext preprocessor”, it is open source and made available free of charge to all developers.
Since it is easily interpreted on the server side, and that it is integrated without problem with the databases, it is often used in the backend of online applications.
Many web professionals are pleasant, including those working with CMS like WordPress, Joomla or Drupal. The plugins and extensions of these systems are all coded in PHP.
In PHP, it is not necessary to declare the type of data from the variable, which offers a lot of freedom to developers. It is no coincidence that he conquered the Wikipedia and Facebook teams!
4. Perl: one of the oldest script languages
Versatile script language, Perl has existed since 1987! It is one of the oldest programming languages … developed, originally, as a unix script language for the treatment of relationships, its acronym means “Practical extraction and reporting language”.
Nowadays, Perl is used in Backend development. It is found on several notable websites and applications such as Amazon, IMDB, Booking.com or BBC Iplayer.
In addition, this language is also found in network programming and system administration. To view the power of this tool, you can consult the understanding Perl Archive Network (CPAN), where more than 25,000 PERL Open Source projects are available for download.
5. Ruby: Object -oriented script language
Created by the Japanese Yukihiro Matsumoto, in the 1990s, Ruby was an object -oriented dynamic script language. It has integrated tools, modules and libraries to help developers give life to their project.
This programming language Open, versatile and with a compact syntax offers incomparable flexibility! You can create innovative services and apps quickly.
Although Ruby has an essentially oriented design, it also supports procedural programming and functional programming. You can use it to code desktop applications, data analysis platforms or task automation tools.
6. Bash: Shell script language
Bash is a shell script language used as a command line interpreter by most operating systems based on UNIX. It is appreciated for its ease of use and its word processing power.
This programming language can be executed in two ways:
- In interactive mode: one line is executed at a time. Thus, the coder can test every detail of the program, executing it and receiving the response directly from the system.
- In scripting mode: in this case, the developer writes the entire program and executes it, receiving a computer response at the end of the code.
The main objective of BASH is to automate manual processes, such as the creation, modification and deletion of files, the activation of the restricted functionalities of the operating system or the connection to remote servers.
7. PowerShell: Microsoft script language
Originally, PowerShell is a script language dedicated only to the Microsoft operating system. Appreciated for its ability to automate complex tasks in a few lines of code, the computer giant opened it to transform it into a multi -platform scripting language.
From now on, Windows, MacOS and Linux developers can use it to code web applications, automate administration tasks, perform backend actions on local and remote servers or test a function in CI/CD environments.
8. R
R has a double cap: it is, at the same time, a software environment and a script language.
To this end, coders are suitable for a tool for statistical calculation, data evaluation, grouping, analysis of chronological series or linear and non -linear modeling. The developers appreciate it for its ability to handle and view complex data and produce graphics.
This free and open source GNU project is multiplateform: you can run it on Windows, Linux and MacOS operating systems. The default implementation of R is also available in other Script languages such as Python and Perl.
9. Groovy
Very flexible, Groovy is specifically developed for the Java virtual machine (JVM). This scripting and programming language, kept in open source by the Apache Software Foundation, offers a familiar environment for developers knowing JavaScript.
However, its syntax is characterized by great simplicity, devoid of a structure in semicolons.
Supporting static and dynamic programming, it is also based on existing Java libraries and is integrated into the applications developed with this language. You can use Groovy to carry out tests, automate reports, prototyper a program or add functions.
10. VBA
Abbreviation of Visual Basic for Applications, VBA is a script language used to automate tasks within Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, etc.). It also adds new features and interact with the final users of documents.
You then have the possibility of attaching VBA scripts to menu buttons and keyboard shortcuts, to save time during your office work.
11. Lua
Portuguese word which means “moon”, Lua is a light and fast script language, which stands out! Still little known, it is however used for coding video games, on -board applications and system scripts.
It must be said that Lua is simple to use: it offers a library that developers incorporate into their software to make them programmable. Compatible with all current operating systems, Lua contains a very compact interpreter, managed by a few lines of code.
However, even if its minimalist concept, the interpreter offers useful features such as automatic cleaning of obsolete data structures, which releases memory.
Its ease of integration and its ability to extend existing applications makes it a privileged tool for modern developers.
12. GML
GML (Game Maker Language) is, as its name suggests, a programming language used for Create video games. Belonging to Gamemaker Studio 2, a multiplatform game engine, it is designed specifically for the creation of games dedicated to this publisher.
Very similar to JavaScript, GML is aimed at both beginners and experienced developers. Its interface is quite easy to handle and use. In addition, the tool has a library of features for the creation of graphics, sounds and levels.
13. Applescript
You will have guessed it, Applescript is a script language specifically dedicated to the macOS operating system. It is the equivalent of the VBA language that we find in the Microsoft Office suite (and that we presented to you before).
Very powerful and simple to configure, it allows users to create scripts in a few clicks. It is often used for the automation of repetitive tasks and file management.
14. C-shell
Launched in 1978, C-Shell (CSH) is a command interpreter for UNIX type systems. It takes its name from its syntax, which is supposed to resemble the programming language C.
C-Shell can be used to enter commands interactively. One of its most remarkable characteristics is the history of controls. Users can remember previous entries, repeat or modify them.
However, he fell in disuse with time. From now on, the developers prefer Bourne Shell (we talk about it below) or the Scripting Bash language (which we mentioned above).
15. Bourne Shell
Written in 1977 by Stephen Bourne, the language of Script Bourne Shell is the first popular single shell. Even if it is gradually replaced by Bash, it remains useful to interpret and execute complex scripts with simple commands.
Its role is to automate repetitive tasks, but also to have control over reading and/or writing file descriptors, launching start -up programs or managing signals in the execution of scripts.
Our tip for choosing the right script language
Before Choose a script languagethink carefully about your goal, your resources and the system you want to add code. The whole thing must be complementary to be as efficient as possible.
In addition, always remember to deploy your new lines of code in a test environment to check that the script is working. You can then integrate it into your platform.
Do you want to develop an application, online service or a website? Do you need to automate repetitive tasks or add features to your productivity tools? Call on a freelance On our coder.com platform that will help you make your scripts.