Question

There are a large number of tasks involved in information technology and programming, and many of these tasks can be automated using scripting technology. The ability to use scripting correctly will save significant time and leverage available resources in many ways. The first step toward better productivity is to understand how scripting languages work and how they can be used. For this assignment, you will begin to learn the characteristics of scripting languages and gain an understanding of how to select the right scripting tool for a specific task.

• Prepare a document to submit your results:
  • Use Word
  • Title Page
    • Course number and name
    • Project name
    • Your name
    • Date
  • Identify a scenario where scripting would be useful to automate a task.
  • Define at least 5 requirements of a scripting language that would be necessary for the task.
  • Identify 2 scripting language candidates that meet the requirements.
  • Select 1 of the scripting languages, and justify the selection based on how well it meets the stated requirements.

Answer 1

A scenario where scripting would be useful to automate a task:
Scripting can be used to automate various task on a computer which otherwise needs to be done manually. For example. It can become very useful in error checking files. A program can be written which will check the excel or pdf file for any missing data or for any incorrect format; which otherwise would take much more time manually.

5 requirements of a scripting language that would be necessary for the task:

1)Simple process through which it can invoke other programs.
2)Built-in collections and packages
3)No need to declare variables/Not much typing restrictions
4)Pre-installed on most OS/It should be naturally supported
5)Should be scalable

2 scripting language candidates that meet the requirements among many are:

1)Python
2)Perl

Why python for automation:
Python has wide collection of packages and frameworks that makes it easier to write automation codes. Many just need "pip install" to be included.
In python, there is provision for typing in other ways by using mypy, MonkeyType in place of Python's inbuilt dynamic duck typing.
It comes pre-installed on almost every UNIX OS.
Its rich ecosystem of tools and packages make it industry ready and scalable.