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Home > The Admin Script Editor (ASE)
> ASE vs. PrimalScript
Comparing ASE and PrimalScript? We are very
happy to hear it! Not only is ASE much less expensive at every level but it is
superior to PrimalScript in countless ways. Many of the copycat features
implemented by PrimalScript were done so in a crude fashion simply to look better
on a comparison chart such as this one. But don't be fooled: click on any of the features
below to see an explanation of how the two solutions compare beyond the
simple check box that claims it is somehow covered as a feature!
Attention Owners of PrimalScript:
For a limited
time we are offering a significant
competitive discount to existing owners of PrimalScript.
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The latest first in
the scripting world, ASE is happy to introduce a full graphical form
designer for the scripting community. Now you can create complex
forms with controls that HTA only wishes it could support:
treeviews, listviews, tabs and more. Use this rich
graphical environment to craft the perfect form for your script. It
will even create functions for the events you wish (a button's
click, a treeview node's right-click, etc.). ScriptForm Designer
will then insert the code into ASE for further
development.
See the video: ScriptForm Designer Introduction 
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Create
Complex GUI Applications
Your ideas can be brought to life with an unmatched
toolbox full of controls |
X |
n/a |
Full
design-time control
With the designer pages you can create nodes in
treeviews and set advanced properties on nearly every
control right from the designer |
X |
n/a |
Create
applications in classic COM or .NET
KiXforms (the freeware runtime engine distributed in
the ASE setup) operates with the classic COM and .NET
Framework implementations. SFD allows you to
choose which runtime suits your needs. |
X |
n/a |
Reopen
Scripts In Design Mode
need to make a change? No problem! Open the form up
from your script, make any modifications graphical and
reinsert the code without damaging your customizations
and supporting functions |
X |
n/a |
So much
more...
Snap lines, component controls, GUI adjustable tab
order, "Visual-Studio like" layout and so much more |
X |
n/a |
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Originally pioneered as a feature by ASE, PrimalScript offers its lesser copycat feature.
Aside from being much easier to work with, scripts packaged with ASE
enjoy the following unique benefits: Dynamic environment variables so
that you can distinguish how the package is being run and who is running
the package. This way you can decide to take actions based on the
executing user (profile and registry locations) as opposed to the
current profile and registry locations which reflect that of the user
identified for purposes of alternate credentials. This important issue
is not address by PrimalScript. ASE also offers an environment
variable to expose any command line arguments passed to the
executable, optional Windows event
logging of success or failure and a customizable notification icon and
tooltip during execution.
See the video: ScriptPackager Overview
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Handle
Versions of COM Components that May Already Exist
During Optional Automatic Registration
COM components such as OCX files and DLLs may be
automatically registered, taking into account existing
versions of the COM objects that may already exist.
Older version in your package? It will not be
registered. A newer version in your package? It will be
registered, and the old one reregistered upon
completion. Optionally override this behavior and force
registration regardless of version if you wish. |
X |
- |
Dynamic
User Variables
the executing individual's user ID and path to the current user
registry hive are all exposed via simple environment
variables so you can reference these locations dynamically
in your script (otherwise the information of the account
specified for alternate credentials is returned) |
X |
- |
Dynamic
Path Variables
the current directory, working directory, temporary
directory are all exposed via simple environment variables
so you can reference these locations dynamically in your
script (otherwise the path of the temporarily running script
is all your script is aware of) |
X |
- |
Support for
Command Line Arguments
your packaged executable stores any command line
arguments in a simple environment variable that you can use
to make your packaged script as dynamic as an unpackaged
script |
X |
- |
Encrypted
Executables
executables are encrypted for protection |
X |
X |
Protected
Source During Execution
when using alternate credentials, the executing user is
prohibited from accessing the source files that are
extracted for execution via an optional combination of
EFS and NTFS security |
X |
- |
Configurable System Tray Icon with ToolTip
optionally include an icon and tooltip to notify users
of script execution |
X |
- |
Configure
Packages to Execute in Existing Console Window
let your scripts return output to an existing console
window as a command line utility would (otherwise all output
is returned to a new command window) |
X |
- |
Multi-package Execution Support
all packages run in their own temporary folder location
to support the execution of multiple or nested packaged
scripts that may run at same time |
X |
- |
Event Log
Recording
optionally have packaged scripts log execution to the Windows
application event log (even instruct it to only log in the
event of a failure) |
X |
- |
Note: despite the
terminology used in PrimalScript documentation, VBScript cannot be
compiled as is not a language that supports compilation.
PowerShell, Batch, KiXtart, VBS-- none can actually be compiled.
Instead they are packaged for purposes of security (at least with
ASE) and for ease of deployment. PrimalScript's so-called Evolved
Script Packager feature is simply an incomplete copy of what ASE
provides. Further, ASE continues to innovate by offering more and
more functionality.
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Invaluable to any coding
environment integrated code help is defined here as code-completion and
the display of syntax tips as you type (a feature referred to by
Microsoft as "InstelliSense".) Once again ASE excels: your
place in the syntax tip is updated live so you can easily see where you are
when there are several arguments to complete, nesting of functions are
fully supported by these code help features, visual indicators of unclosed quotes
are provided, and much more than is appropriate for this space. Using
PowerShell? ASE provides smart verb-noun support in its code-completion
feature! Once again, if you think PrimalScript is a contender at all, we
highly recommend comparing the two for yourself.
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Parameter
Info
Tracking
keep track of where you are when entering arguments for
a function |
X |
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Nested
Syntax Help
get help when including a function as a parameter of
another function |
X |
- |
Unclosed
Quote Detection
a red wavy line appears under any unclosed quotes |
X |
- |
Noun-Verb
Completion for PowerShell Cmdlets
type a noun and a dash to get a complete list of
supported verbs |
X |
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Macro
Completion for KiXtart and AutoIt
type an ampersand (@) and get a list of macro variables
you can choose from |
X |
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Note: When testing
PrimalScript be sure not to include a space between the keyword and your
open paren or you may not see any syntax tips. If you still don't see a
syntax tip, hit backspace and try again-- this will usually correct the
issue.
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Right click on keywords
(functions and commands) for access to help right within the editor. One of many copycat features
implemented in PrimalScript, you'll quickly notice that the ASE
implementation not only looks better, but is provided as HTML so that
hyperlinks may be provided for such things as "Also See"
references and links to search our online script library for instances
of the keyword (for real-world examples). Further, the ASE keyword help
is integrated with our online reference which is updated regularly based
on feedback and our own research (so it is always improving).
* For PrimalScript, help is read from
PowerShell directly, if no help is offered by the cmdlet, no help is
shown.
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
HTML
Hyperlinks Between Documents
jump to related documents from within the help window |
X |
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Live
Updates
provided reference is maintained and updated online for
the instant benefit of users |
X |
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Quickly
Locate Real World Examples of Select Keywords
when viewing help, just click the search for script
button to locate scripts that make use of the keyword in
online library of scripts |
X |
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Customize
Help Sources
on a language-by-language basis, direct help to be
pulled from an alternative location |
X |
X |
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PrimalScript does offer a
simple database browser and if you right-click on a table it is possible
to generate VBScript code templates. ASE offers one easy to
use DB wizard that functions both as browser and wizard: connect to a source, choose a table or view, choose the fields you wish to work with and customize with further options if you wish. From this, ASE inserts code to either read, update or insert the selected values into the selected table using a connection string to your database. Not only can ASE do all of this, but it does so for every COM scripting language you might wish to use.
See the video: Introduction
to the DB Wizard |
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Another ASE first,
PrimalScript's response to this feature is a dialog that can insert
selected VBScript classes for ADSI management (leaving you to determine
connection strings, available properties, security settings, etc.). In
stark contrast, the ASE ADSI Wizard lets you connect to and browse
Active Directory right within the editor. Select a user, computer, group
or organizational unit and see the properties for that object displayed for your
selection. From your selections, you can easily generate code to read or
even update active directory (in PowerShell, VBScript, KiXtart or
AutoIt-- not just VBScript).
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Actually
View and Select Objects from Your Active Directory Structure
see, and select from, the organizational units, groups,
users and computers for your local or connected active
directory structure |
X |
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Dynamically
View All Properties for Selected ADSI Objects
all properties available for the selected object are
shown? have you extended ADSI in your environment? you'll
want to see those extended properties |
X |
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XML files are becoming
more and more common, but if you have never made use of one in a script,
it can seem like a daunting task. The ASE XML Code Wizard lets you
browse a selected XML file (with multiple viewing options) and simply
choose what element you wish to retrieve. Set any conditions or specify
other code generation options and script code is generated in
PowerShell, VBScript, KiXtart and AutoIt.
See the video: Introduction
to the XML Wizard |
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PrimalScript gives you two
separate tools to browse and to generate static code templates (and
you may have difficulty locating them both). ASE offers one easy to
use WMI wizard that functions both as browser and wizard: simply click
on any item to see a sample value from your local system. Select only
the items you want returned in the generated code. Options exist to hide
items that cannot be leveraged by scripts so you don't need to dig
through hundreds of useless items. ASE even includes options to
customize how the generated code will be written. |
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Another unmatched feature
you might expect to see sold as a separate product is the Logon Script
Builder. This powerful tool lets you use code templates (for conditions
and actions) which you may create and share with others, in order to all
for the simple drag and drop creation of scripts. An excellent learning
tool and perfect solution for those that feel they can read and
understand scripts, but are not comfortable writing them on their own.
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Create Real
Script Code You Can Review and Edit Yourself
most tools on the market today that provide similar
capabilities generate code that is hidden from you so that
it may not be reused or used without license-- the Logon
Script Builder is intended to let you view, edit and reuse
code as you wish |
X |
n/a |
No
Additional Licensing
any tool you may find providing similar capabilities is
licensed on a per-seat basis which can cost several thousand
dollars depending upon the size of your environment. The
Logon Script Builder imposes no such licensing requirements |
X |
n/a |
Endlessly
Extensible Through Support for Creating Custom Templates
create your own templates to add conditions and actions,
an import and export function even encourages you to share
those templates you create with others |
X |
n/a |
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Odds are you have a way to
get your scripts deployed already, but if you don't or you'd like to
make use of simple deployment features for testing purposes, a script
deployment solution can save the day. The differences between the two
solutions offered here are significant:
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Deploy Any
Script or Executable
run a packaged script, command line tool or any command
you wish on specified systems and have the results returned
to the deployment console for each |
X |
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Clientless
Implementation
while PrimalScript requires the deployment of a locally
installed agent, ASE requires no remote installations by
utilizing either one of two native technologies inherent to
Windows 2000 and later operating systems: remote
scripting and remote service. |
X |
- |
Optional Desktop Interaction for Windows
need your script to display something to the user? It is
very nice to know you can if you wish |
X |
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Allows
Targeting of Users or Computers
while PrimalScript requires deployment of an agent, ASE
utilizes one of two native technologies inherent to Windows
2000 and later operating systems |
X |
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Debugging is a critical
feature of a full featured scripting environment. Both offer an
integrated VBScript debugger but (as you may have expected by now) ASE
takes it further:
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Event
Debugging
ASE's powerful debugger can debug inside of events as
well as procedural script code. This is an absolute
must for advanced users. |
X |
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Locals View
ASE offers a Locals Window which allows you to view a
tree of all objects active in the script as well as their
current properties! |
X |
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When you want to create
complex queries (such as those that join two or more tables) a visual
tool like this can be very valuable in simplifying what could otherwise be rather
difficult. Again, both products offer the ability to do so, but one
significant difference is that ASE provides you a "View Query Results"
tab which lets you quickly verify that you have your query right before
you even insert it into your script! |
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Have two files, or two
versions of a script-- perhaps the current and previous versions? Being
able to visually identify the differences can be a real time-saver. Yes,
even here ASE offers more:
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Line
Coloring Identifies Changes
while PrimalScript actually inserts text characters to
indicate change in their "visual" comparison, ASE offers
clear color highlighting of lines to illustrate where
changes, deletions and additions exist between files |
X |
- |
Easy
Identification of Missing Lines
ASE clearly shows missing lines between files by
inserting appropriate line breaks in the file where lines
are missing to keep both files in sync |
X |
- |
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Certainly not more
important than functionality, but looks are important. Both
solutions offer several customization options. Close your eyes.
Okay, now which one do you think offers more customization? Open
them. You're right, ASE again!
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ASE 3.0 |
PrimalScript 2007 |
Alternate
Icons
Change the look of the icons, the size or both! ASE
provides two sets of icons for you to choose from and two
sizes (16x16 and 24x24) for maximum customization |
X |
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Color
Schemes
choose from several color schemes |
X |
X |
Toolbar
Customization
customize toolbars to add or remove items, even create
your own toolbars |
X |
X |
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Scripts can be long
and ugly at times and when you are not working on an area of code,
it is very nice to hide it away. That is where the code folding
feature comes in. Built in and customizable regions may be created
to collapse sections of code for easier readability and organization
of code. Yet another area where ASE was first, its implementation is
still takes the lead in its ability to provide a preview of
collapsed code when you hover over it (the preview is even keyword
highlighted/colored!)
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PrimalScript makes a
very big deal about its ability to "Undo" changes and revert to
previous versions. While we feel there are much more interesting
features to focus on, you'll be happy to know that ASE provides the
ability to "Undo" changes and to create time-stamped backups should
you need to roll back to an earlier version of your script.
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Note: Despite the lower price, ASE also comes with one year of maintenance where you are entitled to all updates,
both minor
and major. PrimalScript customers must purchase upgrades if the company should
deem their changes worthy of a major version number increase.
Update: ASE is now at v3.5 and includes even
more including: An improved integrated debugger with added support for
PowerShell, unmatched Certificate support for managing and signing scripts, a
script formatter that keeps your code easy to read,
and plenty more.
Informed customers are our best customers. Please download ASE and download PrimalScript and perform a side-by-side comparison of your own!
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