Many people are left puzzled when they find out that coding, programming, and scripting do not entirely mean the same thing. They are, in fact, part of each other.
Coding, Programming, and Scripting: Definitions
Coding means converting computer instructions from human language to a language that the machine can comprehend. You apply your algorithm and code in a programming language.
Programming, on the other hand, is all about creating an outline or giving structure to the program’s code before developing the actual code. Once the code is done, the programmer has to ensure that it is functioning properly and also look after its maintenance.
A scripting language is a form of language that uses a simple method to get the codes to a runtime environment.
Coding vs. Programming vs. Scripting
Now, we shall explain the differences between these three:
| Coding | Programming | Scripting |
| Coding is all about converting human language to a language that the machine can comprehend. | Programming is about developing a program for the machine with a well-structured plan and design. | A script is a small portion of code that is used in a program. These scripts are created to automate a few specific software tasks. |
| Coding might not require much expertise. | For programming, one needs a high level of skills. You either have to be an expert or close to being an expert to be a programmer. | For scripting, you might need some expertise as you will be dealing with some scripting languages. |
| A code is what you write in a program. It is part of the programming language. | Programming gives you the whole picture of how the program will function. | On the other side, scripting languages are meant to be interpreted. |
| For writing a code, you need to know the syntax, schemes, and semantics to create a program. | A detailed plan and a layout are needed when you are programming. | For writing a script too, you need to know the syntax, schemes, and semantics to create a program. |
| You need an editor for writing your code. Editors like Visual Studio Code, Atom, Sublime text, Vim, Notepad++, and many more are used. | In the case of programming, there is no dedicated software tool, although it focuses on the interoperability between different software applications with the help of data connectors. | For writing a script. Editors like Visual Studio Code, Atom, Sublime text, Vim, Notepad++, and many more |
| Coding helps in adding functionalities to a certain program. | The main focus of programming is on understanding the problem statements and then coming up with a logical solution to the problem by using flowcharts and algorithms. | Scripting languages also help in adding functionalities to a certain program. |
| You write code in a programming language like Java, C#, etc. | C++, Java, and PHP are a few examples of programming languages. Programming languages produce .exe files | Python, Ruby, and Bash fall under scripting languages. Scripting languages do not produce .exe files. |
What should I learn first?
From our analysis, we recommend you start with programming. Programming teaches you how a program must be built and what tools you need to finish its development. Coding and scripting will fluently come if you understand what programming is. Once you are done with it you can move on to understand coding and scripting. You can choose any of the two.
Conclusion
We have discussed the differences in coding, scripting, and programming. While programming gives you the entire, fully functional program, coding and scripting are considered a part of programming. They are like a family – they are different yet a unit.
Also Read: What should I learn first: Coding or Programming?
