What is Scripting language?
A '''scripting''' or '''script language''' is a [[programming language]] that supports '''scripts'''. Scripts are usually short [[computer]] programs that do steps that could be done one at a time by a person. This automates a job to make it easier and more reliable. A scripting language is often a simpler language, and easier to learn than other languages, but still can do many things. Scripts may run inside of another program, like in a [[web browser]] or [[Microsoft Excel]]. They may also be a ''[[shell (computing)|shell]]'' that runs from a [[graphical user interfaces and consoles|command line interface]] and makes calls to the [[operating system]] (OS). The shell is considered ''interactive'' - the user can choose what to type, and the shell responds to the command. These can be used to control jobs on [[mainframe computer|mainframes]] and [[server]]s. Some people say a scripting language must be tied to a specific use. Others use a wider definition and include [[general-purpose programming language]]s that are interpreted, not [[Compiler|compiled]]. ''General-purpose'' means it can be used in many ways for different things. Some general-purpose languages (such as [[Java]]) have variations that can be scripted . There is no specific rule on what is, or is not, a scripting language. == Examples == Some common examples of scripting languages: * [[Unix shell|Bash]] and C shell, as ''control languages'' for the [[Unix]] or [[Unix-like]] [[operating system]]s * Scripts that run inside another applications are called an ''extension language''. Web browsers allow several kinds of scripts, including [[ECMAScript]] ([[JavaScript]]) or [[XUL]]. For instance, the [[Google]] home page uses JavaScript. [[Visual Basic#Visual Basic for Applications|Visual Basic for Applications]] is used inside [[Microsoft Office]]. [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] is a language purposely made as an extension language, and can be used within many applications. * Games that have scripting extensions include the [[Second Life]] [[virt