Guest Post by Wendy Dessler

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When trying to develop a new piece of software or an app, one of the first things a developer has to do is pick a programming language.

For years, the debate has raged on regarding which programming language is better, Java or Scala. While some argue that just because Java is older it is better, others believe Scala is better for a variety of reasons.

In essence, Java is classified as an object oriented programming language. This means that the primary aim of this programming language is to both gather data and manipulate it as it is processed.

Scala is considered a machine-compiled language. It is designed to run in specific environments, like Java Virtual Machine for instance.

Read below to find out more about the differences between these two programming languages so you can decide which one best suits your needs.

The Size and Quality of the Code

If you decide to use Java to write your programs with, be prepared to write longer lines of code to accomplish even the smallest tasks. With the use of Scala, you will be able to accomplish these same tasks without having to write such long lines of code. Being able to fit more on a page allows you to easily organize your code with Scala.

By organizing your code, you can easily read it and reuse it when needed. The ability to create concise and readable code databases with Scala is why it is so popular in the world of programming.

The Overall Complexity of the Code

While Scala allows programmers to accomplish various tasks with less code, it does have a far more complex structure than Java. This means developers have to write a lower number of single line complex code. If you feel more comfortable using simple code, then using Java is your best bet.

While you will have to write longer code lines, you can reduce the amount of headaches you encounter during the coding process. Many beginners to the world of programming use Java due to how easy it is to use.

Functional Programming Capabilities

The Java program language was first introduced in 1995. This means that in the beginning, it was designed like most conventional programming languages from that era. However, in recent years Java has been upgraded with functional programming capabilities. This means programs can now use Java 8 to write functional programs with ease.

Scala was designed from the very beginning to be a functional programming language. If you are going to be creating functional programs, Scala is probably the language you need to use. This programming language has functional programming features like concurrency, immutability and monads.

Compile Time

Did you realize that Scala compiles source cold slower than Java. If you have a bundle of cores, it may take up to an hour for Scala to compile, unless you are using a fast processor.

Java uses a javac compiler to turn source into useable byte code. The Scala system does have its own compiler, but it does not perform as the javac compiler does.

Integrated Development Environment Support

Java features a number of integrated development environments (IDE) that can help you greatly during the development process. Giants in this industry like NetBeans and Eclipse all have an IDE in the Java system. While some of the same programs can work on Scala, they do not work very well.

The Structures of Java and Scala

For the most part, Scala borrows most of its language features and syntax from Java. However, Scala does have a number of structures that aren’t currently available in Java. For instances, this programming language supports automatic type inference and case classes, which Java does not.

The structured nature of Scala allows programmers to convert it into domain specific language. This means developers are able to customize both the look and feel of Scala to fit the unique needs of their projects.

The Concurrency Model Issue

If you use Java 8, be prepared to implement the use of a conventional thread-centered concurrency model. This technique divides your program into several concurrently running tasks when it is executed.

The Scala language uses the actor concurrency mode, which means it is both more efficient and modern. The actor model allows programmers to define each object in their program. These definitions are usually broke down by behaviors. Using the Scala system helps to simplify the thread communication and control process greatly.

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The Performance Factor

There are a number of programmers who swear by the speed and performance of Scala. Some programmers throw out numbers like Scala is 20 percent faster than Java. While both of these programming languages run on Java Virtual Machine, Scala code runs faster on this system for a number of reasons.

Scala supports a bytecode optimization technique called tail call recursion. This optimization technique makes this code run faster and will far fewer errors. When pairing Java programming language with java performance & monitoring tools | AppOptics, you can catch and fix coding errors with ease. Failing to closely monitor your code can lead to lots of problems in the future.

Available Tools and Frameworks

Since Java is older than Scala, programmers are able to take advantage of a wider range of editors, tools and frameworks. However, the overwhelming popularity of Scala has led to the development of a number of new tools and frameworks. Scala users can also take advantage of several Java development libraries since both of these frameworks operate as a Java Virtual Machine language.

The type of programming language you need to use is based on your skill level and the type of programs you want to construct. If you are a novice in the programming world, your best bet is probably Java.

About the author: Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.