Is there no way to get scripts to run in Android?

Question

Since Android is Linux at its base, I logically think it should be possible to run a script on Android, like a Python script or PHP script (with executable bit obviously).

If not conventionally, is there any way to do so?

Answer 1

Python/PHP specific

If you are asking specifically for Python and PHP scripts, SL4A probably is your best choice (though there are other Python supporting apps in the playstore, like e.g. QPython Lite). And if you want to automate things, you might want to take a look at the SL4A Script Launcher (in connection with TaskBomb task scheduler) as well.

Shell Scripts

But talking about "Linux" and "scripts in general", the first coming to my mind are Shell Scripts. These can be run directly from the command line using any terminal emulator (e.g. Android Terminal Emulator, Terminal IDE) -- or, if you prefer some "graphical help", using specific launcher apps like SH Script Runner, ScriptMe, or Script Manager.

Answer 2

You want SL4A. From the website:

Scripting Layer for Android (SL4A) brings scripting languages to Android by allowing 
you to edit and execute scripts and interactive interpreters directly on the Android 
device. These scripts have access to many of the APIs available to full-fledged Android 
applications, but with a greatly simplified interface that makes it easy to get things 
done.