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Code & Deliverynoun|verb · /skrɪpt/

script

In simple English

In tech workplaces, a script is lightweight code that runs specific operations without needing compilation. Scripts are commonly used for automation, testing, deployment, and system administration. Unlike full applications, scripts are typically written in interpreted languages like Python, Bash, JavaScript, or Ruby. You will hear engineers say they are 'writing a script' to handle repetitive tasks, automate deployments, or set up environments. Scripts can range from a few lines that run once to complex programs that execute regularly on servers.

What is a script in programming and how do you write one?

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓I wrote a quick script to automate this
✓Can you run the deployment script?
✓Let me script this out before the release

Real examples

in a standup

"I created a script that pulls data from the API and generates a daily report."

in a code review

"This script needs error handling for network failures."

in a team meeting

"We should script the entire onboarding process to save time."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Non-native speakers often confuse 'script' (small program) with 'script' (written dialogue). In tech, it almost always means executable code.

✕I need to script a new website.
✓I need to script the website deployment process.— Script means automate with code, not write from scratch. Use 'build' or 'develop' for creating new applications.
✕Our script is very formal and professional.
✓Our deployment script is robust and well-tested.— In tech, script refers to code quality, not tone. Use words like 'robust', 'efficient', or 'reliable'.
✕I will script you on this process.
✓I will write a script to automate this process.— Script is not commonly used as a verb meaning 'to explain'. Use 'write a script' or 'automate'.

Other forms

noun

script

"The deployment script runs every Friday at midnight."

verb

script

"We need to script this manual process as soon as possible."

noun (plural)

scripts

"All our automation scripts are stored in the repository."

Often used with

run a scriptExecute a script: 'Can you run the backup script?'
write a scriptCreate a new script: 'I will write a script to fix this issue.'
deployment scriptScript used to deploy code to production: 'Our deployment script handles everything.'
bash scriptShell script written in Bash language: 'I created a bash script for server maintenance.'
automation scriptScript that automates repetitive tasks: 'This automation script saves us hours daily.'
test scriptScript used for testing: 'The QA team is running the test script.'

Similar words

programMore general term; script is usually smaller and automated.
automationDescribes the purpose, but not the code itself.
codeBroader term; script is specific executable code.

Opposites

manual processinteractive application

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your team needs to automate daily log cleanup. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. The CI/CD pipeline uses a _______ to automatically deploy our application.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses 'script' incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using 'script': 'We need to make the system do this task automatically every night.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "script" in a standup this week?

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