Scala is a hybrid object-oriented and functional programming language running on the Java Virtual Machine.
Why Scala?
The world has changed significantly since the introduction of Java in 1996. Many new languages were introduced, many of them introducing new ideas or reviving old ideas for writing more potent, efficient and readable code. Although there were some attempts to shoehorn some of these ideas into Java, it was immediately clear that many of these features would break the conceptual integrity and simplicity of Java. Eventually, the community turned to running alternative languages on the Java VM; languages that would be able to adopt all of these ideas in a concise way. Scala is one of these languages.
Why is any of this of interest to me?
Scala has a number of properties that make it an interesting candidate as an alternative to Java:
Scala is statically typed, just like Java. That means that not only the compiler will be able to proof correctness of part of your code (reducing the number of tests that you would have to write), but also that IDEs will be able to provide code completion and refactoring support, which is a blessing in large scale projects. Hardly any of the alternative languages on the Java VM have this.
Scala is statically typed, but less bloated then Java. Consequently, you can say a lot more in fewer words. The magic that is working behind the scenes is 'type inference': in most cases, the compiler will be able to figure out the type at compile time, by looking at your code, and then validate if you are using it the proper way.
Scala runs on the Java VM and blends in with your existing Java code very well. With Scala you don't jeopardize your past Java investments.
Scala is fast. Where other languages rely heavily on reflection for integrating with your existing Java code, Scala compiles everything down to normal Java byte code; calling Scala from Java is not different than calling Java from Java.
Scala's programming model features an alternative model for dealing with concurrency built-in. As a consequence, the code you would naturally write in Scala is automatically better geared towards manycore architectures than Java.
Scala allows you to write code that reads more easily than Java code.
How do we feel about Scala?
Xebia has been in full support of Scala's claim as a heir to the Java throne, as of its early inception. We can help you to be succesful with Scala; we are well-rooted in the community and have our staff lined up to start working with you on Scala projects today!
Where can you find Xebia in the Scala community?
Scala Labs & Training
On October 14 and 15, we are organizing a Scala training with Martin Odersky, in Amsterdam. Find details here.
Scala Labs is a Xebia initiative to make training and lab material available online. We ran Scala Labs training days at various events and conferences.
Lately, Xebia organized a training on advanced topics.
DuSE
Xebia initiated and has been heavily involved in the Dutch Scala Enthusiasts meetup group, a group of 113 people (June 2010).
Xebia initiated Scala Tribes: a place on the web that brings together all Scala Meetup Groups.
Where do I go to find more information on Scala?
There are numerous places on the Internet where you will be able to find information, but the most important resource is the home page of Scala itself, hosted by our friends at EPFL: http://www.scala-lang.org/.
But is Scala used for real?
Most definitely yes. The Scala web site has quite a few corporate adopters references listed, including customers as Twitter, LinkedIn, The Guardian. Down here in the Netherlands, TomTom is one of the more prominent adopters.
How can we assist you?
If you are looking for training, consultancy, programmers, general advice, or you just want to have a conversation about Scala, then feel free to contact us. Either send us an email or call us on +31 (0)35 538 1921.
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