Scala is a programming language that combines object-oriented and functional programming. It is fully interoperable with Java, allowing seamless use of Java libraries, but improves on Java with a uniform class hierarchy, pattern matching, higher-order functions, and novel ways to abstract and compose programs. Scala has been open source since 2004, reached version 1.0 in 2006, and is gaining popularity with over 2000 downloads per month.

1. Scala Basic Concepts
Tom Flaherty - Axiom Architectures, LLC
Thomas.Edmund.Flaherty@gmail.com
The Scala Approach
• Be completely interoperable with Java.
• Combine OO object-oriented and FP functional programming concepts.
• Improve on Java with:
•A uniform class hierarchy.
• Pattern matching and higher-order functions.
• Novel ways to abstract and compose programs.
• Open source
• Has been available since Jan 2004.
• Production version 1.0 since 2006
• Currently: > 2000 downloads per month.