Which of the following languages is VBScript most similar to?

VBScript is most similar to JavaScript because both languages share a common origin in the context of web development and are designed for scripting purposes, particularly in enhancing web pages. They both support similar syntax structures, enabling features such as functions, variables, and object manipulation. Both languages are interpreted rather than compiled, which allows for greater flexibility in executing scripts within web browsers or other host environments.

JavaScript was designed for client-side scripting in web browsers, while VBScript was primarily developed for use in Microsoft's environments, often seen in applications like Internet Explorer. Their similarities in design and usage—such as functionality for event handling and manipulation of Document Object Model (DOM) elements—reveal their continuous influences on web technologies and development practices.

The other languages—Java, Ruby, and COBOL—have their own unique characteristics and are primarily used in different contexts. Java is a general-purpose, class-based object-oriented language, Ruby is known for its elegant syntax and is primarily used in web development frameworks, and COBOL is focused on business data processing and has syntax that differs significantly from scripting languages. These differences underscore why the correct response highlights the close relationship between VBScript and JavaScript.