A Comparative Discourse on Three Scripting Languages - Research Paper Example

Comparative Dis Three Scripting Languages Comparative Dis Three Scripting Languages To enable one to effective compare three different types of scripting languages, it is imperative that a concise and clear definition of the term be presented. A quick look at the search engine for definitions of scripting languages rendered more than 2.5 million results; but apparently, the magnanimity does not compensate for the quality of information needed. Apparently, scholars in the field of information technology had experience initial difficulties in providing an accurate and standardized definition of the term. From among the list of most sensible definitions, the following exact meanings were cited in PerlMonks (2004) as cited below: “A scripting language differentiates itself from other typical languages in that they are usually simpler to learn and use as well as not needing to be compiled. The language is interpreted at run-time so you can execute instructions immediately. A programming language, usually suited to a particular purpose, that is easy to use and easy to learn. Scripting languages are usually designed for writing small programs like batch files. They are often loosely typed and have simple syntax to make them easy to use. A specialized language used to create scripts that, when inserted into a Web page, control various elements of the page, such as the user interface, styles, and HTML markup” (PerlMonks, 2004). These definitions focus on a specialized type of script used to enable the machine to follow commands and specifically identified tasks into performable and applicable programs. As Ousterhouse (1998) emphasized, “scripting languages assume that there already exists a collection of useful components written in other languages. Scripting languages arent intended for writing applications from scratch; they are intended primarily for plugging together components” (Ousterhout: Scripting languages, 2000, par. 1). From among the most famous scripting languages developed, the four currently exist: PHP, Perl, Active Server Package (ASP) and Java Server Pages (JSP). For purposes of presenting a comparative analysis of three scripting languages, one would be using PHP, Perl, and ASP. Comparative Analysis The summary of comparative features and elements are hereby shown in tabular form: Comparative PHP Perl ASP Elements Developed 1995 1987 1998 Description suited for Web development supports object- oriented technology for and embedded into HTML procedural & functional programs building Web applications Databases Supported MySQL, Informix, Oracle, Oracle, Sybase, Postgresexternal MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Sybase, Solid, PostgreSQL MySQLexternal Microsoft Access Compatible Scripting Lang. JavaScript VBScript, JScript and JavaScript As shown from the tabular illustration, the earliest scripting language developed from among the three was Perl which was developed in 1987 by Larry Wall. This was followed by PHP, developed in 1995 developed by Rasmus Lerdof; and finally the ASP developed by Microsoft in 1998. All are scripting languages developed for building and designing Web applications with different databases supported. From among the databases supported, MyASQL are common and shared by the three scripting languages; Oracle, Sybase and Postgre is shared by both PHP and Perl. However, for PHP, the contrasting database supported is Informix and Solid; while for ASP, since this is developed by Microsoft, other than MySQL, only Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL could be supported. The three scripting languages all use HTML which is the most basic language in the creation and design of Web-based sites. Both PHP and Perl use an open source application; while ASP, “intended as an open technology server-side framework, give web developers the freedom to develop dynamic web sites using information accessed from the many COM-compliant data sources available to them” (internet.com, 2011, p. 1). Therefore, the three scripting languages do not need a special software to write these languages and are also compatible with other scripting languages such as VBScript, JScript and JavaScript, for ASP; and also Javascript for PHP. As emphasized by Ousterhout (1998), as applicable to all three types analyzed above, “scripting languages are designed for gluing applications. They provide a higher level of programming than assembly or system programming languages, much weaker typing than system programming languages, and an interpreted development environment. Scripting languages sacrifice execution speed to improve development speed” (Ousterhout: Scripting languages, 2000, par. 18). The details from where the comparative discourse came from the enhanced details presented in the following: As defined in the official website, PHP is “a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web development and can be embedded into HTML” (PHP, 2011). It stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, which is a server-side scripting language that “supports many databases (MySQL, Informix, Oracle, Sybase, Solid, PostgreSQL, Generic ODBC, etc.)” (Refsnes Data, 2011, p. 1). As a scripting language, PHP is known to be an open source software which is downloadable and free to use. As revealed by Harisson (2011), there are two development languages found in the Web, known as ColdFusion and PHP, which have been created as techniques for interaction with other databases on a user’s server. The users are given the capability to access and source information from a database and be able to make necessary revisions and adjustments on the site. The other uses are updating or inserting virtually new information based on the specific purpose of the user. As revealed, both PHP and ColdFusion could be integrated with CSS, HTML and JavaScript for the innovative design and creation of more comprehensive websites. In addition, the benefit of not requiring a special software is an added feature, but as indicated, “each requires an application to be installed to interpret the language and furnish results. Adobes ColdFusion application is a commercial application, while PHP is Open Source” (Harisson, 2011, par. 5). Perl, on the other hand, is another scripting language with the following basic features: supports other databases, as previously identified: Oracle, Sybase, Postgresexternal link, MySQLexternal link. Just like PHP, this scripting language could be integrated with XML and HTML as it has an open source application which could interface with other external link softwares. Further, the scripting language has been revealed to support object- oriented and functioning programming that can be extended with a total number of 23,500 open sources modules. In addition, this language interfaces with external C/C++, as a web server external link, and as indicated, has the Artistic License as an external link or the GNU General Public License (GPL) (Perl.org, 2011, p. 1). Since Perl, like PHP, interfaces with HTML, it can therefore be used for the creation of basic elements needed in the development or editing of a page (including crucial components like header, body, tables, text, and paragraphs, as required). Finally, Active Server Pages (ASP) is defined by Yank (2001) as “a proven, well-established technology for building dynamic Web applications, which provides the power and flexibility you need to create anything from a personal, Web based photo gallery to a complete catalogue and shopping cart system for your next eCommerce project. One unique feature of ASP is that it lets you choose your favourite scripting language, be it JavaScript or VBScript; however, VBScript is by far the most popular choice. In this article, I’ll bring you up to speed on the basic syntax of the VBScript language, including variables, operators, and control structures” (par. 1). (Yank, 2001, par. 1). This scripting language is actually developed and distributed by Microsoft, thereby, “the ASP scripting host (which translates ASP into HTML) is distributed within Microsofts web-specific products – its web servers, Internet Information Server (IIS) and Personal Web Server (PWS) and its HTML editors (FrontPage 9x and Visual Interdev, though not Notepad” (internet.com, 2011). The features of ASP that would assist in the development of interactive user interfaces include “supporting some interaction between page user and server allow web page access to databases and directory services incorporate and make use of high-powered COM components” (internet.com, 2011, p. 1). Conclusion The essay has achieved its goal of proffering a comparative discourse on three scripting languages: PHP, Perl and ASP in terms of providing appropriate definitions, features and the approaches and techniques used in each to facilitate interactive design. Similarities in features and detailings were provided as well as disparities in each approach. The benefits of using scripting languages were highlighted through their convenience and user friendly applications in conjunction with other design interface, the ability to make web design was significantly improved and revolutionized through their development and design. As learned from the course module, some languages,d despite offering a wider variety of purposes, could simply provide the user with the specific application that caters to one’s need. By recognizing the similarties and differences of each language, various users are given the option to select the most appropriate scripting language to create web designs and enjoy the extensive innovative applications that these languages could accord. References Harisson, E. (2011, April 1). Which Computer Languages Are Used to Create Websites? Retrieved October 9, 2011, from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/info_8150119_computer-languages-used-create-websites.html internet.com. (2011). What is ASP? Retrieved October 9, 2011, from http://www.asp101.com/wrox/asp2samp/2459ch01.asp Ousterhout, J. (2000, August 8). Scripting: Higher Level Programming for the 21st Century. Retrieved October 6, 2011, from Tcl Developer Xchange: http://www.tcl.tk/doc/scripting.html Perl.org. (2011). About Perl. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from http://www.perl.org/about.html PerlMonks. (2004, October 25). At Last, a Useful Definition of "Scripting Language". Retrieved October 5, 2011, from http://www.perlmonks.org/?node_id=402316 PHP. (2011, October 9). What is PHP? Retrieved October 9, 2011, from http://www.php.net/ Refsnes Data. (2011). PHP Introduction. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from w3schools.com: http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_intro.asp Yank, K. (2001, April 26). ASP Language Basis. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from Sitepoint Pty. Ltd.: http://www.sitepoint.com/asp-language-basics/ Read More