Q&A: What is the best language to write test scripts in?

Question by crazyflykreanguy: What is the best language to write test scripts in?
I’m going to begin working for a company and I’d like to get a head start. The job description says that we’re writing functional test scripts and testing programs, etc. I’ve heard the languages Perl and Python thrown around when discussing scripting. What language should I read up on that will help me write good test scripts?

Best answer:

Answer by Stupid Cupid
Many workplaces have established systems for testing, and your new workplace is probably that way too. So, ask them what they use, and use that.

If they don’t yet have an established one, then what kind of software are you testing? If it’s a web application (that you test via HTTP primarily), then Perl/Python/Ruby are good (and if you know none of those, I hear that Python is easiest to learn).

If it’s a Java application, that you will be testing by direct Java method calls, then both Groovy and Beanshell are good languages to write tests in. They resemble the syntax of Java a lot, without being quite as verbose.

If the product you’re testing is designed for other platforms (e.g., .NET), you will generally need to use a language that will work on that platform. In that case, your workplace will most likely have a say on what language to use.

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