Learning Scala: Practical Functional Programming for the JVM

by Jason Swartz

Learning Scala is an introduction and a guide to getting started with functional programming (FP) development. Written for programmers who are already familiar with object-oriented (OO) development, the book introduces the reader to the core Scala syntax and its OO models with examples and solutions that build familiarity, experience and confidence with the language.

The more challenging topics of Scala development (immutable data, anonymous functions, strong typing, flexible syntax) are introduced later in the book and build on the earlier problems to assist understanding. New concepts will be demonstrated and explained before being used in coding problems or samples so that readers will be able to progress through the chapters sequentially and not be forced to browse for answers. Scala has a deserved reputation as being difficult to learn, with a steep and extensive learning curve and unfamiliar syntax. This book is designed to address those difficulties.

Genres: Programming, Technology, Nonfiction, Technical, Software, Computer Science, Computers

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Pär Dahlberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a Java developer and I've been programming a bit of Scala in my spare time before reading this book. I read it on the bus, at lunch etc. so no access to trying out examples which probably is needed if you have no experience from Java or C#. It's pretty good, but a bit thin on more advanced concepts like type parameters with bounds, type variance etc. Perhaps these things are really simple and don't require more than a short description, but for someone without the knowledge it would be very good to have example of the use for those advanced concepts. When is it a good time to use them? When to avoid?

I would recommend this for anyone interested in Scala who is already experienced with Java, C or C#.

[Florian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it to be prepared for a new job that contains some Scala projects. Enjoyed reading it and learnt a few things. Had started reading a few other Scala book years ago but this one is different as it starts from the beginning with REPL and functions and doesn't show how to use it as a better Java. Comes with lots of examples, you can spend a lot of time with them.

[Alvaro Tejada Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book on Scala...pretty nice book...enough to get you started...but I think it's a little bit basic...I was expecting more Scala depth-in stuff...and specially I would have appreciate more examples...but as an general introduction...it's good enough...

[Sreejith Gopalakrishnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended for Scala beginners.

[Delhi Irc]

Location: GG6 IRC
Accession No: DL028791

[Frank Palardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for starting scala.