I believe there is confusion as to what the term script kiddie means and implies. The description I noted was very generalized. My contention is that the learning process generally goes from:

(1) newbie --> (2) script kiddie --> (3) hacker

Now, I do realize that this is a highly simplified description, so please bear with me.

1) The stage when you are initially interested. You get your hands on all you can read and try to figure out what this is all about. You wander with little direction and frequently seek guidance from more experience people. There is very little 'doing' in this stage, and very much reading. You lack the necessary skill and knowledge to really delve into anything in great depths. Compare this to the early ages of childhood if you like, exploring the world with wide-open eyes, in awe.

2) The knowledge you acquired is now starting to come into place. Various concepts are coming together, allowing you a better view of how things really are. You start specializing in certain areas that interest you most. You now hold the limited amount of skill that will allow you to test the grounds. An understanding of why and how things work come about and give you a new perspective on old thoughts. Gradually, you tentatively start developing your own rustic tools and ideas. You feel as though you "finally get it", though you have only just begun to scratch the surface. It's useful to compare this stage to that of your teenager years. Unsure of yourself, you slowly dip your foot into the cold water, hoping it warms up as time passes by.

3) The trial and error you experienced in stage 2 is finally starting to pay off. You're now equipped with highly detailed knowledge of whatever had the gaul of touching your fancy. You are capable of adapting to novel situations by aptly applying past knowledge. You are wise and spend your days compounding upon what you know in hopes of expanding your abilities. You feel as though the possibilities are boundless! All that stops you is the limited amounts of digits on your clock and other pesky though necessary life chores. Ah, you have now reached the stage of adulthood, maturity.


Script kiddies are not necessarily malicious. They are not necessarily dumb or lazy. It's simply a stage in developmental growth. Sure, there are some who make complete asses of themselves, and others who will not bother doing anything if it requires reading or doing anything more than pushing a few GUI buttons, but remember: do not stereotype all "script kiddies" as such, at least not the ones defined with the definition I pulled from the jargon file.