Scala - The future of the JVM?

[mattykins]

I have not spoken with one single person who has enjoyed programming in Java. The JVM has been extremely successful but most people would agree that it's downfall is the main language used on the JVM: Java.

So I was wondering if anyone here has used the language Scala? Its an alternate language for the JVM that compiles to JVM bytecode and can use most libraries/modules written for Java (LWJGL for instance can be used). It supports both 100% Functional paradigms and 100% OO paradigms of programming, whatever the job necessitates or whatever your personal style is. It's syntax is very clean and C-like, and it is a strongly typed language.

I'm still really new to Scala but so far I have found it a MUCH better option than Java. It can deploy to web applets or JAR files, and, from what i've heard, can even be built to native windows apps using .NET. Since it's a JVM language you can deploy to Android as well.

Has anyone here used Scala? Like I said i'm new to it but I can see it becoming my go-to language for most things fairly soon.

If you haven't already, check it out at: http://www.scala-lang.org/
Also, if your seriously developing in Scala I would suggest using SBT (Simple Build Tool)

[Jackolantern]

I looked into it, but I guess I am on the opposite side from the people you have talked to: I really enjoy Java and think it is a great language lol. I still like .NET and C# a bit more, but its Windows-centric nature means it isn't good for everything. I don't use functional programming very often, but acknowledge that it is useful in some situations (C# has pretty good functional paradigm support). Maybe I am just set in my ways, but I have not seen a lot that compels me to drop Java for Scala, particularly considering how much smaller its community is.

[mattykins]

There are people who enjoy Java like yourself, and I respect that. But i'm saying as a whole a lot of people agree Scala is the better language.
I guess people need time to soak in Scala before they can really make a decision, as it is fairly new itself and like you said the community isn't as large.