Scala is a powerful and versatile language, combining object-oriented and functional programming concepts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, here are some great resources to get started and continue your journey.
1. Rock the JVM
Rock the JVM offers some of the best Scala and functional programming courses. It is perfect for developers who want a structured, hands-on approach to learning Scala. Their courses cover a wide range of topics from Scala basics to advanced functional programming concepts.
Code Sample from Rock the JVM
Here’s a simple example of a Scala class that mimics some of the concepts you’ll learn from their beginner course:
class Person(name: String, age: Int) {
def greet(): String = s"Hi, I'm $name and I'm $age years old."
// Introducing a method with default parameters
def greet(anotherPerson: String = "Anonymous"): String =
s"Hi $anotherPerson, my name is $name."
}
val john = new Person("John", 30)
println(john.greet()) // Hi, I'm John and I'm 30 years old.
println(john.greet("Alice")) // Hi Alice, my name is John.
2. Scala Exercises
Scala Exercises is an open-source platform that provides hands-on exercises for Scala learners. It’s a great way to practice your skills while learning key concepts.
Useful Tips: Start with the basics section to get familiar with Scala syntax. Progress through functional programming exercises to sharpen your skills.
3. Tour of Scala
The official Tour of Scala is an excellent introduction to the core language features. This guide walks you through everything from basic syntax to more advanced features such as pattern matching and collections.
Code Sample Here’s a snippet from their guide on pattern matching, a powerful Scala feature:
def matchTest(x: Int): String = x match {
case 1 => "one"
case 2 => "two"
case _ => "many"
}
println(matchTest(1)) // one
println(matchTest(2)) // two
println(matchTest(3)) // many
4. Coursera - Functional Programming Principles in Scala
For a more academic introduction, consider the Functional Programming Principles in Scala course on Coursera, taught by Martin Odersky, the creator of Scala. This course provides an excellent foundation for understanding functional programming in Scala.
Example Code: Here’s an example of a higher-order function in Scala that you’ll likely come across in the book:
def applyTwice(f: Int => Int, x: Int): Int = f(f(x))
val double = (x: Int) => x * 2
println(applyTwice(double, 3)) // 12
By using a combination of these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to master Scala and functional programming. Whether you prefer video tutorials, interactive exercises, or books, there’s something here for everyone. Happy learning!