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Learn scripting languages with online courses and programs

Scripting provides instruction to a computer. Used in testing and automation, scripting languages can offer an easy introduction to coding that opens the door to a tech career. Learn scripting with online courses delivered through edX.

What is scripting?

Let’s start with the basics: a scripting definition. In the most rudimentary sense, scripting is a way of providing instructions to a computer to tell it what to do and when to do it. More specifically, scripting is a type of programming language designed for runtime environments to communicate with other programming languages, add functionality, test or integrate systems, and automate tasks. Scripting is a quick, efficient way to modify your instructions each time the program runs, without recompiling the entire code.

Web developers can use scripting when their goal is to create a dynamic user experience. For instance, they might program static HTML or CSS e-commerce pages in advance to establish the basic layout. Then, they add scripting language to automate pricing and inventory updates in real time. Scripting language can display recent search results and reminders about items in the shopping cart.

With a bit of scripting practice, you’ll not only be able to develop personalized, user-friendly websites, but you can create mobile apps, manipulate large data sets, and apply machine learning automation to your systems.

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Scripting language tutorial curriculum

With a combination of curiosity, patience, and a desire to problem-solve, you can begin learning scripting. Open-source languages can be easy to grasp, simple to work with, and fast to develop, which can make them an ideal starting point for learners pursuing certain tech careers.

A beginner scripting language course may include:

  • An introduction to CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
  • The basics of how to learn scripting and interpret algorithms
  • Information on programming constructs, including function and control structure
  • Instruction on how to choose from a list of scripting languages for your project

More advanced courses may include:

  • An overview of Linux commands and Shell scripting basics
  • Hands-on exercises like an Apple scripting or Bash scripting tutorial
  • Lessons on Bash scripting to automate complicated database tasks
  • Practice with writing a fully functional program in proper syntax
  • A deep dive into Python scripting language applications

There are many different ways to learn scripting, so it’s important to consider which educational pathway best fits your needs. Explore all of the learning opportunities offered through edX. You can take specialized, shorter online courses or boot camps, such as a coding boot camp. Or develop your skills with more comprehensive bachelor’s degree programs and master’s degree programs, such as an online bachelor’s in computer science program.

Jobs that use scripting languages

Many different professionals use scripting language in their daily tasks.1 Learning scripting languages may help prepare you for roles such as:

  • Web developer: add functionality to their websites with a mix of client- and server-side scripting languages.
  • Systems administrator: use scripting to automate network tasks like looking for bugs, testing new program installs, or generating reports.
  • Application developer: design and test software applications using one or more scripting languages to ensure that all elements are accessible and function properly.
  • Software engineer or DevOps engineer: write and troubleshoot functional interfaces for everything from mobile apps to medical devices with scripting languages.

Apply your scripting skills to streamline, automate, and innovate and set yourself apart as you pursue a career in the tech field.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are scripting languages?

    Scripting language is a foundational element of web design and app development that uses relatively simple syntax and semantics to customize, manipulate, and automate existing systems. For instance, with Roblox scripting language Lua, you can create your own games on the Roblox platform, make objects interactive, and allow for surprise events like natural disasters. Bash scripting quickly creates, deletes, and edits files without a navigation menu, Python scripting builds pie charts and bar graphs, and Java scripting language runs animations and slideshow presentations on your sites.

    What are some common scripting languages?

    Examples of scripting languages include: JavaScript/ECMAScript (used on fresh, interactive, modern websites, social platforms, and e-commerce apps); PHP (server-side script powering Facebook, Wikipedia, and WordPress); Python (used in back-end web and game development, data science, and DevOps automation); Ruby (general purpose language powering Airbnb, GitHub, and Kickstarter); Groovy (used to process XML and JSON data), Perl (used for text manipulation and system admin work like managing databases), Lua (powers games and apps like Roblox, Shopify, Tumblr, and Angry Birds); and Bash (used to run backups, manipulate files, and automate).

    What is the difference between scripting and coding?

    All scripting is programming code, but all programming code is not script. The fundamental difference between scripting language and programming language is that programming language creates the program, whereas scripting allows you to modify and control the program you’ve previously coded. Coding provides the structure, while scripting provides the functionality. When you’re working with web pages, apps, IoT devices, databases, and operating systems, knowing how to write back-end instructions can save you a lot of time and hassle.

    What are two main types of scripting languages?

    Two main types of scripting languages are server-side and client-side. Server-side scripting languages (PHP, ASP.net, Node.js, Java, Ruby, Python) run on a web server, responding to client requests via HTTP, hidden from the public eye. Client-side scripting languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) run on a web browser, reducing demand on the server and allowing web pages to load faster. If functionality and user experience are your main goals, you may focus on client-side scripting, whereas efficiency and error resolution goals may require server-side scripting.

    How is scripting used and incorporated into real systems?

    Many real-life systems begin with scripting ideas and result in multiple programs all working together in perfect harmony. You can apply scripting knowledge in many ways, using it for multimedia and games, web applications, report generation, document and text processing, writing plugins and web browser extensions, and more. Scripts are especially helpful when communicating with other artists and professionals who may not necessarily have high-level, complex coding skills.

    What are good beginner scripting languages?

    Typically, learners will begin with HTML and graduate to CSS, followed by JavaScript. Front-end developers work extensively with all three beginner scripting languages: HTML to provide the site’s basic structure, CSS to control the presentation/formatting/layout, and JavaScript to control the behavior of different elements and make the site more interactive. Choosing the proper scripting language for a program will depend on your specific use case, the existing ecosystem you’re working with, and your team’s experience level. As you gain coding experience, you’ll begin to get into Python scripting to handle a wider range of tasks and form the basis of your advanced programming understanding.

    1. Computer and Information Technology Occupations. (2022).U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved January 12, 2023.