GirishScala has emerged as one of the most potent object-oriented and functional programming languages. Its multiparadigm architecture makes it highly useful for data analytics and visualization applications. There is a buzz in the developer community that Scala might be the successor to Java. Whether it will replace Java or not, in 2022, Scala is in demand for enterprise-level application development.
The programming language has a lot to offer, but there’s a learning curve. To help you get started, we created this Scala developer toolkit. Our in-house Scala experts, in association with industry experts, handpicked these Scala resources.
Proficient in Object-Oriented programming: Scala is a multiparadigm programming language created to be scalable (aka Scala). A Scala developer is expected to be an expert in object-oriented programming languages and not just in Scala. If you have Java, Python, and JavaScript knowledge, you will have the edge over other candidates. You must know how to write concise, elegant, and type-safe code.
JVM: Another reason for Scala’s popularity is its support for JVM. Java Virtual Machine is the runtime environment that gives Java its inter-platform compatibility. As Scala code can run on JVM, most enterprises do not have to change their IT infrastructure to incorporate Scala code. A Scala developer needs to know about JVM and how to write Scala code to work with existing Java code.
Cloud Platforms and ELT architecture: Scala is primarily used for cloud computing platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. As such, a Scala developer must understand how decentralized cloud platforms work. Another essential concept they must be familiar with is ELT architecture. The Extract, Load, and Transform is a data warehousing approach to design secured scalable systems. As systems built with Scala are based on ETL, familiarity with the architecture will help developers write compatible code.
Basic knowledge of Apache Spark and Hadoop MapReduce: Hadoop and Spark are the two most widely used unified analytics engines for large-scale data processing. Before Apache Spark was introduced, Hadoop MapReduce was the market leader. As Scala is often used for data analytics, a proficient Scala developer must be familiar with both platforms.
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Official resources
Online courses and tutorials for Scala Developers
Functional Programming Principles in Scala on Coursera
This free online course in Scala is one of the most popular learning resources for beginners. It is an ideal starting point for understanding the concepts of functional programming. This seven-week Coursera course will teach you all the elements of functional programming style you need to know to get started.
Udemy has some good Scala resources for beginners. One such course is the Stairway to Scala Applied. It is a three-part course that provides an overview of the whole spectrum of what you can achieve with Scala. Part 1 teaches Scala’s core syntax and concepts, followed by the language features in Part 2, and Part 3 covers the entire core libraries of the programming language.
A YouTube channel for Scala developers, it offers free content for developers to learn basics and advanced concepts. It is an excellent Scala resource for understanding the practical use of the language.
Another great YouTube channel to learn Scala, Rock the JVM, is the channel to follow to keep track of all the latest features and updates made to the programming language.
Learn Apache Spark 3 with Scala: Hands-On with Big Data!
Once you get the basics right with the above-listed courses, you can move on to this Scala course from Coursesity to learn the practical implementations of the language. With 20+ hands-on examples, this course teaches how Scala can be used to analyze large data sets with Apache Spark.
Books for Scala developers
https://underscore.io/books/: Great Scala resource sharing free eBooks on various Scala topics.
Functional Programming, Simplified by Alvin Alexander: It is a great book to learn the concepts of functional approach with Scala to build large systems.
Scala for the Impatient by Cay Hortsmann: This is an excellent Scala resource for those who prefer to learn with code-based examples rather than theory. Although it is intended for experienced programmers, beginners can also learn advanced concepts discussed in this book.
Programming in Scala, Fourth Edition: This book is best for teaching Scala to Java developers. It compares the programming languages and draws similarities between the two that Java developers can use to improve the Scala code.
Online communities for SCALA developers
Podcasts for SCALA developers
Communication: Developers work as part of a team which requires them to collaborate. Efficient communication goes a long way in determining product success. You must have the communication skills to speak effectively in different situations or settings. You must know how to present your idea assertively, perceive what others are trying to say, and pacify stakeholders and clients. Active listening is an essential part of the communication process. Listen to what other team members say to assist them, not just for the reply.
Interpersonal skills: You might be the best coder in your team, but at the end of the day, if you are too hard to work with, it will not benefit your career growth. Patience, empathy, and time management are some interpersonal skills employees seek in developers. These skills will help you resolve conflicts, create a comfortable work environment, and deliver products faster.
Emotional intelligence: According to a survey, 75% of the hiring managers prefer developers who showcase high emotional intelligence. It is a skill that empowers you to keep calm under pressure and deliver results even in the most calamitic environment. Emotional intelligence also enables you to recognize the emotional state of other teammates so you can extend a helping hand when needed.
There is a lot to learn about soft skills, and these resources can help:
7 Most valuable soft skills of exceptional software engineers
How soft skills transitioned to become the new power skills
6 soft skills that still impress employers in 2022
5 tips to present new ideas as a software developer
5 Time management tips for software developers
Conclusion
Developers interested in learning Scala or upskilling their programming skills will benefit from this Scala complete toolkit. It would help if you focused on learning functional programming concepts and Scala fundamentals for an entry-level position. Besides your technical skills, soft skills will also contribute to your candidature.
Talent500 helps companies find the best Scala developers and help professionals keep updated with the industry trends and land the best opportunities. You can join us by signing up here.
Afreen Khalfe
Sumit Malviya
Neel Vithlani
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