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INTRODUCTION. Scripting languages such as Perl and Tcl have a very distinct style of programming that differs greatly from that of system programming languages like C or Java. Scripting languages are used primarily for "gluing" applications together, using a typeless approach to achieve a higher level of programming and a more rapid application development. Increases in computer speed and changes in the application mix are making scripting languages more and more important for applications of the future. However while scripting languages such as Perl, Tcl and JavaScript can be considered relatively recent developments, scripting languages have generally existed for many years, effectively “since the invention of the computer”(The World of Scripting Languages, David Barron, 2000). With this report I intend to analyse exactly what recent scripting languages are and what possible benefits they offer to the user. I also intend to examine the reasons for their current popularity as well as provide a brief review of the history of scripting languages. How they have nearly always existed and how they differ from the modern incarnations that have become so immensely popular. A BRIEF HISTORY. Scripting was first used i