What type of program is often used in web development to automate tasks?

In web development, a script is indeed the type of program commonly used to automate tasks. Scripts are sequences of instructions that are interpreted or compiled on-the-fly by a web browser or server, allowing developers to add interactive features, manipulate web page elements, or automate repetitive tasks. They enhance the user experience and can handle data processing, form validation, and other functions that improve the overall functionality of a website.

Scripts can be written in various programming languages, such as JavaScript for client-side operations or PHP for server-side processing. Their ability to run automatically in response to certain events, such as user clicks or page loads, makes them ideal for automating tasks in web development.

While applets, plugins, and standalone programs have their roles, they are not primarily focused on the automation aspect within web development. Applets are often used for embedding applications in web pages, plugins extend the functionality of browsers or applications but require installation, and programs generally refer to any type of software application, which may not specifically pertain to web automation.