Scala is a programming language that integrates features of object-oriented and functional programming languages. It is statically typed and compiles to JVM bytecode. A scripting interpreter is also part of the Scala language distribution. At the time of this writing, the current release of Scala for the JVM is version 2.6 with a significantly less mature .NET version beginning to get more attention. This document provides an overview of those aspects of Scala that make it an intriguing option for development on the JVM platform and perhaps eventually .NET as well.
Summary
Scala's features make it as close to a dynamic language as a statically type language can get and yet maintain the performance characteristics of compiled Java. Scala approximates features that make dynamic languages like Ruby and Groovy attractive. Functional language features allow Scala programs to follow a more functional style when it is better suited for the task at hand or take an non-functional imperative approach.
Like many of the other articles in the JNB, Tim's article is written in a tutorial style that flows naturally. It is best suited for a quiet afternoon's reading and experimenting at the terminal. Just download Scala and follow along. You won't be disappointed.
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