They are similar in what they are both intended to do - automate common tasks. Automator was introduced before AppleScript and is very easy to use. AppleScript is not quite as simple to use, but allows you much more flexibility, especially since it allows you to set conditionals (if...then), which Automator does not.
Answer
They are similar in what they are both intended to do - automate common tasks. Automator was introduced before AppleScript and is very easy to use. AppleScript is not quite as simple to use, but allows you much more flexibility, especially since it allows you to set conditionals (if...then), which Automator does not.