Programming educators can choose between conventional programming languages and scripting languages
-
Scripting languages like JavaScript offer sufficient richness to cover
most of the requirements of an introductory course while reducing the
complexity of the development environment and avoiding many other
implementation issues.
- Scripting languages are generally interpreted rather than compiled, at least during the program development phase.
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Full-featured languages like C# and Java, however, offer a more complete
set of language features that an instructor may want to incorporate.
- Full-featured or conventional programming languages are compiled rather than interpreted.
As future professionals, students in the computing disciplines have to learn to develop Internet applications, skills that can be acquired only when students understand client-server computing through learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
- As the Internet has continued to grow, demand for skills in scripting languages has also increased.
- The many job postings requiring scripting languages indicate that the modern IS degree should include these languages and the web-related concepts surrounding them.
Adapted from
Scripting or Full-Featured Language from Parker, K.R., Ottaway, T.A., & Chao, J.T. (2006). "Criteria for the Selection of a Programming Language for Introductory Courses." International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2 (1/2), 119-139.