A scripting language is used to write the scripts on the web pages. These scripts are actually the programs embedded into HTML code and these web pages are run on the client computers. These scripts/programs are interpreted by the browsers. There are different types of these scripting languages that are commonly used today like JavaScript, vbscript, .net languages, Perl etc. The JavaScript is based on the main language java. Java script is an interpreted language. It is mostly used to add dynamic contents to a web page.
These dynamic contents may be scrolling text, menus, pop-up windows, animations etc. JavaScript is an open language developed by sun micro system. The vbscript is a scripting language that is based on a programming language visual basic. The vbscript also provides the same functionality as JavaScript. By default internet explorer supports vbscript and Netscape communicator supports java scripts. Perl refers to practical extraction and report language. It is also a powerful scripting language that is most commonly used. The most recently used technology in scripting language is .NET Platform. It is a creation of Microsoft. The main advantage of .NET Platform is that it provides the platform independence in internet environment. It develops the applications that support XML web services. The .NET applications can be used in any type of web browse or in any type of computer.
A scripting language is a form of programming language that is usually interpreted rather than compiled. Conventional programs are converted permanently into executable files before they are run. In contrast, programs in scripting language are interpreted one command at a time. Scripting languages are often written to facilitate enhanced features of Web sites. These features are processed on the server but the script in a specific page runs on the user's browser.
In most cases, it is easier to write the code in a scripting language than in a compiled language. However, scripting languages are slower because the instructions is not handled solely by the basic instruction processor. Scripting languages allow rapid development and can communicate easily with programs written in other languages.
Scripting languages can be used to create specialized GUIs (graphical user interfaces) and forms that enhance the convenience of search engines, Web-based e-mail and e-commerce. Many Web sites require that the user's browser be set to run scripts to take advantage of all the features of the site. In some cases, Web sites are practically useless unless the user's computer is set to run programs locally in a scripting language.
