What are Script Files?

Commands or instructions written in a scripting language, like JavaScript, VBScript, PHP, AppleScript, etc. are stored in a file format known as “script”.  A script file can be written by any simple text editor and then executed by a scripting engine.

A script is generally an automation of a set of tasks that could generally be done by a human operator. A major difference between programs and scripts is that most script languages are interpreted, while programs are compiled.

Popular Script File Extensions

• JS — Format: Text
  Used to store source code for JavaScript, a popular scripting language used in Web Development. Most commonly, “.JS” files are used to run JavaScript on the client's end.
• BAT — Format: Text
  A Batch file, also known as a Batch script, is a simple list of commands that can be executed by your computer's operating system in one go when the file is double-clicked.
• PIF — Format: Unknown
  A Program Information File, it contains necessary info about a program for Microsoft's DOS operating system.
• PRI — Format: Binary
  Files in the “.PRI” format are resource files compiled by Microsoft's Windows operating system. Containing strings, they are saved in a compiled binary format.
• PS1 — Format: Text
  A PowerShell scripting file, PS1 is similar to a batch file in terms of how it works. A batch files contains a list of instructions for the MS-DOS-based Command interpreter to run, while a file with a “.PS1” extension can be directly run by the Windows PowerShell, a dedicated command-line shell and scripting language for Windows.

File Database Breakdown - Script File Extensions

Top Script File Extensions