Difference between scripting and non scripting language

Question

I am wondering what is difference between scripting and non scripting language. For example like LUA and C++. Because in game development I often read that they are hiring programmer who must know scripting language. Thank you!

Answer 1

Some of this is somewhat historical in nature.

Non-scripted languages like C and C++ are compiled into "raw machine code" (RMC). That RMC is then run directly on the machine. Note that RMC is typically very specific to the underlying CPU/hardware AND to the supporting Operating System. So if you want to run a C program on both linux and windows, it has to be compiled for each (two copies to maintain and distribute).

A scripted language is typically NOT compiled. Instead, the source code is passed to an interpreter that understands the language. The interpreter itself is typically written in a language that is itself compiled to RMC. The interpreter's task is to read the scripted language, and translate that into operations done by RMC.

The line has blurred in recent years (decades?) with the advent of systems like Java. With languages like Java, source code is compiled to an intermediate/portable language, and the Java Virtual Machine handles the translation of that portable language into operations for the target CPU/OS.