In my experience, it’s usually the tools and utilities that are multi-functional that are the most invaluable to have stored away in your programming “war chest”. An example of such software is PrimalScript.

Sapien Technologies, PrimalScript’s  creator, describes it as a visual development environment suitable for all sorts of scripting tasks. PrimalScript provides developers with the wherewithal that’s required to quickly and efficiently create scripts in all of the major scripting languages including VBScript, ActionScript, Flex, Java, HTML, XML and JavaScript.

Obviously a development environment like this offers significant benefits to Web, .NET and Flash programmers who already are “time-starved” and who are actively looking for a scripting tool that can make them more efficient.

In addition to these types of developers, PrimalScript can also be used by Windows administrators as well, with the latest version of the software including support for Microsoft’s Windows PowerShell.

There are three different versions:

1. PrimalScript 4.1 Standard;

2. PrimalScript 4.1 Professional; and

3. PrimalScript 4.1 Enterprise

Note that there is also a fourth way of obtaining PrimalScript and that involves purchasing what Sapien Technologies refers to as its “Universal” bundle. The bundle includes the Enterprise edition of the software along with a selection of other products and services.

The quickest way to learn about the major functional differences between the three different versions of the software is to consult the comparison chart that has been set up on the official PrimalScript web site (http://www.primalscript.com/compareeditions.asp).

For instance, examples of some of the features missing from the standard version but which are incorporated in both the professional and enterprise editions of the software include a Windows script debugger; a visual file comparison tool; a database browser; and an integrated FTP client.

When you install the software on your system, a user interface customisation wizard guides you through a series of screens that allows you to set up PrimalScript’s user interface to reflect the type of development work that you do. For instance, among the distinct user interfaces that are available, there are ones suitable for classic ASP developers, AJAX/JScript developers, ASP.NET developers, ActionScript/Flash developers, and C#/VB.NET developers.

Various types of ongoing assistance are offered to users. It includes unlimited, free support via the PrimalScript web site in the form of staff monitored forums, online tutorials & a searchable knowledge base.

In conclusion, ScriptingOutpost (www.scriptingoutpost.com/default.aspx), a division of Sapien Technologies, has put together a self paced course that you can use to master PrimalScript.

Referred to as a “Class On Disc”, the course contains instructor video, demonstrations, and animated explanations for the more complicated aspects of using PrimalScript, plus a series of self-assessment quizzes. A sample of the course is available for downloading so you can try it out before buying.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: No minimum requirements are specified on the official PrimalScript site.

EVALUATION VERSION: Fully functional trial of any edition of PrimalScript free for 45 days. The download size of the PrimalScript 4.1 Standard version of the software is just under 8 MB.

PROS:

• Best described as a sort of “everything editor”.

• Can be used with HTML & XML files.

• Offers a visual approach to scripting.

• Ideal for use by different types of developer, for example, .NET, Web and Flash developers.

• If you decide to purchase PrimalScript after trialing it, there’s no need to reinstall the software. Upgrade & carry on working.

• A variety of editions available to suit different development requirements.

• This is award winning software, with details of the various awards posted on the software’s site.