Scripting languages and Game Dev/Programming
<p>Okay, so I've been getting into 2D game developing/programming , and many games I've seen use some sort of scripting language too. So I'm wondering - What's the purpose of using scripts in games? I know there's not simple one reason answer, and I've been trying to consider all the possibilities. Here's what I 'think' I know so far:</p>

<p>1) Scripts allow for changing the game without having to re-compile.</p>

<p>2) Scripts are easier for non-programmers to use.</p>

<p>3) Scripts allow me to separate the engine from the game itself allowing me to make other games with the same components quicker?</p>

<p>That's about all I'm aware of. My next question is, if I'm going to be Dev/programming a game alone - do I really need to use scripts? Or could I prototype the game using something like python or ruby, to allow for rapid testing, then rewrite the code in C++ saving time and compiler bugs, etc?</p>

<p>Another thing I'm wondering, Am I better off using Ruby or Python since I'm most experienced with those? Or should I use Lua, Perl or something else if it better fits what I aim to achieve? Speaking on that matter, what really should I use scripts for? should I use them to position and model game menu UI's, write/read save-files, load map levels, hold arrays or structures of game terminology such as "New Game" or "Quit," all of the above, none of the above?</p>

<p>If I make use of scripts, won't that allow game mechanics to be edited by the end user? Or is there a way to package the scripts into one compressed file that the engine can read?</p>

<p>Most basically, I'm wondering:</p>

<p><strong>What should I use scripting in my game for? And why?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Do I need use scripting languages if I'm working alone or with programmers as opposed to Devs?</strong></p>

<p><strong>What scripting language 'should' I use if I were to be making platformers, RPGs, or what-have-you?</strong></p>
