Scripting Language Programming

What is Scripting Language Programming?

Scripting language programming involves writing scripts, which are programs written for a special runtime environment that can automate the execution of tasks. Scripting languages are often interpreted rather than compiled and are used to write short programs that automate repetitive tasks.

Key Characteristics of Scripting Languages

Interpreted: Scripting languages are typically interpreted, meaning they are executed line-by-line by an interpreter.
Dynamic Typing: Variables in scripting languages are often dynamically typed, meaning their type is determined at runtime.
Ease of Use: Scripting languages are designed to be easy to write and understand, often with simpler syntax compared to compiled languages.
Rapid Development: Scripts can be written and tested quickly, making them ideal for automating tasks and prototyping.

Common Scripting Languages

Python: Widely used for web development, automation, data analysis, and more.
JavaScript: Primarily used for web development to create interactive web pages.
Ruby: Known for its simplicity and productivity, often used in web development.
Bash: Used for writing scripts to automate tasks in Unix-based operating systems.

Example of a Scripting Language

Here is a simple example in Python that demonstrates scripting by automating the task of renaming files in a directory:

import os

def rename_files(directory, prefix):
    for filename in os.listdir(directory):
        new_name = prefix + filename
        os.rename(os.path.join(directory, filename), os.path.join(directory, new_name))

# Usage
directory_path = "/path/to/directory"
file_prefix = "new_"
rename_files(directory_path, file_prefix)

In this example:

The rename_files function takes a directory path and a prefix as arguments.
It iterates over all files in the directory and renames each file by adding the prefix to its name.
The os module is used to interact with the file system.

Last modified: 14 December 2024