- Scala is a high-level, statically typed programming language that fuses object-oriented and functional programming paradigms.
- Designed by Martin Odersky in Switzerland and first released in 2004.
- Scala powers large-scale analytics engines like Apache Spark, social media platforms, and genomics projects.
- Scala compiles to code to run on the Java Virtual Machine and can use Java libraries.
- Scala reduces boilerplate, making code concise, expressive, and safe.
- Scala features include higher-order functions, null safety, pattern matching, and algebraic data types.
- To start with Scala, install the JVM and the Scala compiler, create an SBT file, and write code in a .scala file.
- Scala supports immutability, type inference, and treats everything as a value.
- Scala uses the option type to safely represent an object of some or none, reducing the need for null checks.
- Scala supports higher-order functions, monads, and pattern matching for concise, readable, and scalable code.
via Scala in 100 Seconds