Which is Better, Java or Scala?
“As web developers, we are always looking for programming languages to get the most out of them without being a mess. We have seen Java being one of those computer software and specification sets that have as few implementation dependencies as feasible. In fact, the presence of Java is simply beyond every expectation. No sector, domain or section is there which has not served by Java; this proves the potential and wide presence and of course acceptance level of Java. Again, it is the most trusted and tested technology of the industry; that serves the industry at every point of time during its life as per the changing demands of the industry. Starting from hardware programming, software programming, web application development or game development; Java serves every purpose with utmost care and hence received frugal support from around the globe. However, in recent times, Scala has emerged as a highly capable scripting language that grows with the developers’ love. It has rather become a popular workhorse language for several mission critical server systems. Though it is new in the industry; we can’t underestimate its power because it has already gained a good popularity in the industry with its mesmerizing features.”
But amidst the respective attributes of both, the question may arise if Java is better for its ‘write once, run anywhere’ feature Or Scala scores higher for making programming a fun task, along with its secure and strong static type system. To help understand both the languages deeper, listed below are some striking differences between Java and Scala. After all, we need to choose the better one! Although, both Java and Scala are JVM based languages, the most prominent difference is in their concise, short code. Java is having a critical reputation for its lengthy code. Though, it makes sure that, nothing is unsecure within the application; but developers used to hesitate to ruin their time and effort for some unnecessary codes. Scala interestingly benefits from this situation. It has simple type inference, and significantly trims down the number of lines from a Java-enabled app. As a result, the skin of the application looks beautiful and becomes well maintainable in the long run. Scala further gains more appreciation for its embedded support for functional programming paradigm which is another wining wing for it’s popularity. Yet again, they both are similar; they both integrate an object-oriented structure. However, Scala defines common programming patterns in a clean, succinct and type-safe way. As a result of which, developers may find it easier to apply concurrency and parallelism. Concepts like inheritance, abstract class and polymorphism that were the biggest pros for Java have now converted as the boosting dose for Scala; because it implements them in a much hassle free manner than what Java was doing. The learning curve is another difference between both the programming languages (though easy to overlook). When compared to Java, Scala can be a bit difficult to predict as it features a steep learning curve. Java incorporates a lot smoother, easier syntax than Scala - who embeds a complicated syntax. But experienced Java developers who want to try the latter can simply learn more about Programming in Scala, and learn to avoid common programming mistakes that may arise. In short, Java is easy to learn and write code; but, Scala syntax is a little bit difficult since it has not borrowed stuff from C or C++ as Java. In Java, there is practically no support for ALL types of Operator Overloading. However, Scala lends support to Operator Overloading - allowing developers to easily overload any operator in the application. Users can also build new operators of any type. So this is certainly a plus for Scala supporters. Developers simply favor Scala’s built-in lazy computation. The full-blown functional language permits to put off or delay time consuming computation, until absolutely required. There is a specific keyword entitled ‘lazy,’ one can simply use that keyword and let lazy computation proceed. This is an amazing and a future ready feature for Scala and is highly popular among the new era developers who develop lightening fast web apps for different smart phone platforms. There is no doubt that Java has been revered as one of the most readable programming languages, giving an edge to Java. Users can seamlessly express functions inside a function, within another function, and this makes Java more readable than Scala. But we cannot overlook the latter’s multi-core architecture of current CPU. So from a developer’s point of view Java seems to be easier with its traditional yet successful approach to deal with the programming style. And important enough, Scala handles any function or method as variables - basically allowing developers to pass any function or method like Object. However, in Java, functions are treated as objects. So, it is like a different story about how these 2 languages handle their programming resources and they are appreciated by many while they get some criticism as well. Now, we cannot conclude the comparison until we touch the contemporary needs of the industry. Yes, Java with its JSP can build almost any type of modern web application starting from cross platform, cross browser and responsive application. While, Scala can also does the same, but with a few shortcomings. Undoubtedly, Scala is able to make the code length much smaller but, it’s about the performance and experience that makes Java wins over Scala. Well, there is no doubt that both Java and Scala are two incredible programming languages with respective sets of traits. But they are still different in many ways - if Java shares huge familiarity amongst developers, Scala looks adamant to gain a momentum in web programming. Again, the coding style of Java especially from the code length point of view; Scala wins the race, though it needs a little more time for the developer to learn the new era Scala syntax. But, once you learn it, you can make every application development much easier and hassle free than its counterpart. As a last word, there is absolutely no harm in learning Scala, should you are a Java programmer and want to know some unique, advanced practices. It is a language with an extremely promising future, and well for us - Java and Scala both get thumbs up Mindfire has the most professional Java Application Development Team in India with Senior Java and JSP Experts who have executed various projects in the technology. Our Java Developers Team is 12 Years old now consisting of senior Oracle Certified Java Programmers, who have worked on all major versions and all supporting technologies. Being multifaceted, they are also equally skilled in Scala. If you are looking to outsource your Java/Scala software development, send an email to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.
