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Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming · Lesson

Getting Started with Scala

Explore the Scala environment, setting up your development tools, and running your first Scala application on the JVM.

Getting Started with Scala is a free Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.

Welcome to Scala!

Welcome to Scala! It's a powerful programming language that combines both Object-Oriented (OO) and Functional Programming (FP) concepts. This makes it incredibly versatile.

Scala runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), meaning it can interact seamlessly with Java code and leverage the vast Java ecosystem.

Why Choose Scala?

Scala offers several advantages:

  • Concise Code: Often requires less boilerplate than Java.
  • Powerful Features: Supports advanced functional programming patterns.
  • Concurrency: Excellent for building robust, concurrent systems.
  • Industry Use: Used by companies like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Netflix for scalable backend services.

The JVM: Scala's Engine

At its core, Scala code compiles to bytecode, which then runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This is the same runtime environment used by Java.

To run Scala, you'll need the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your machine. It includes the JVM and necessary tools.

Introducing SBT

For managing Scala projects, the standard tool is SBT (Scala Build Tool).

SBT handles everything from compiling your code and running tests to managing external libraries (dependencies) and packaging your application. It's your primary command-line interface for Scala projects.

Creating a New Project

Let's create our first Scala project using SBT. We'll use a g8 template, which is like a project boilerplate.

Open your terminal and run this command:

sbt new scala/scala-seed.g8 --name my-first-scala-app

Project Structure Unpacked

After creating the project, you'll see a structure like this:

  • my-first-scala-app/
  •   build.sbt (SBT configuration)
  •   project/ (SBT internal files)
  •   src/
  •     main/
  •       scala/ (Your Scala source files go here!)
  •         Main.scala (Your first file)
  •   target/ (Compiled code, etc.)

Your First Scala Code

Navigate into your new project directory: cd my-first-scala-app.

Now, let's write our classic "Hello, CoddyKit!" program in src/main/scala/Main.scala. Try running it!

object Main {
  def main(args: Array[String]): Unit = {
    println("Hello, CoddyKit!")
  }
}

Running Your Application

With the code saved, use SBT to compile and run your program. Make sure you are in your project's root directory (my-first-scala-app).

sbt run

The Scala REPL

Scala also has an interactive shell called the REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop). It's great for quickly testing code snippets without creating a full project.

To start the REPL from your project, type sbt console. Then you can type Scala expressions directly:

scala> val message = "Hello from REPL"
message: String = Hello from REPL

scala> 1 + 2 * 3
res0: Int = 7

Quick Check: Running Scala

You've written your first Scala program and know about SBT. Which command would you use to compile and execute a Scala application within an SBT project?

Recap & Next Steps

Great job! In this lesson, you've taken your first steps with Scala:

  • You learned Scala runs on the JVM and requires the JDK.
  • You discovered SBT as the essential build tool.
  • You created a new project and understood its basic structure.
  • You wrote and ran your very first Scala "Hello, CoddyKit!" program.
  • You explored the interactive Scala REPL.

Next, we'll dive deeper into Scala's basic syntax and core data types!

Frequently asked questions

Is the “Getting Started with Scala” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “Getting Started with Scala” is free to read here on the web, and the Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.

What will I learn in “Getting Started with Scala”?

Explore the Scala environment, setting up your development tools, and running your first Scala application on the JVM. You practise Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming?

No prior experience is required. Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.

How long does the “Getting Started with Scala” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming lesson?

Yes. Every Scala for Backend Engineering & Functional Programming lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

All lessons in this course

  1. Getting Started with Scala
  2. Basic Syntax and Types
  3. Control Structures and Functions
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