Mastering Scala: Top 10 Courses for Functional Programming in 2023
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If you're eager to learn Scala and delve into Functional Programming along with essential frameworks such as Akka and Apache Spark, you've landed in the right spot. Previously, I explored the top Scala books and free Scala courses tailored for Java developers, and now I present the best Scala courses suited for programmers and Java enthusiasts.
Disclosure: Some of the links included are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you enroll in these courses through my links.
These courses are handpicked from reputable platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight, and Educative, and feature instruction from industry experts, including Martin Odersky, the language's creator. You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn from the originator himself.
Moreover, these courses are quite economical, with many offerings on Coursera available for free, while Udemy frequently offers courses at just $10 during their sales events.
For those unfamiliar, Scala is a modern programming language utilized for server-side development. It combines object-oriented and functional programming paradigms, developed by Martin Odersky at EPFL, and is recognized as a versatile multi-paradigm programming language designed for concise and elegant programming expressions.
The name Scala stands for Scalable Language; it is statically typed, requiring variables to be assigned a specific type, such as an integer. Notably, Scala can run on the Java Virtual Machine and is compatible with popular IDEs like NetBeans.
Java libraries are fully compatible with Scala code. Similar to Java, Scala adopts an object-oriented structure and employs a curly-brace syntax reminiscent of C.
Scala boasts numerous advanced features typical of functional programming, including currying, type inference, immutability, lazy evaluation, and pattern matching. It also possesses an advanced type system that supports algebraic data types, anonymous types, covariance, contravariance, and higher-order types.
Unique features of Scala not found in Java encompass operator overloading, optional parameters, named parameters, raw strings, and the absence of checked exceptions. Many of these adaptable features are covered in the courses mentioned.
Most importantly, Scala equips you with the tools to develop scalable applications efficiently. It is a statically typed, high-level language that seamlessly merges functional and object-oriented programming into a cohesive framework.
This article will guide you through the top Scala and Functional Programming courses that can help you master this language swiftly while exploring its comprehensive features to harness its potential.
Take full advantage of these top courses to learn Scala and Functional programming in 2023 and elevate your career. Embrace programming in Scala, one of the most sought-after programming languages globally—adopted by numerous developers and major corporations like Twitter and LinkedIn.
Top 10 Online Scala Courses for Beginners in 2023
Here’s a compilation of the best online courses to learn Scala and Functional Programming, accommodating both beginner and intermediate learners. This list features outstanding courses from Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight, and Educative.
Scala & Functional Programming for Beginners [Udemy]
For those with prior programming experience in languages like Python or C++, this course is ideal for scaling your knowledge to Scala. It covers:
- Understanding Scala fundamentals
- Developing powerful tools
- Interacting with the file system
Begin with the basics, including expressions and functions, and progress to object-oriented principles, inheritance, anonymous classes, and file system operations.
Link to course: Scala & Functional Programming for Beginners
Scala: The Big Picture [Pluralsight]
This course is perfect for beginners wanting to grasp Scala quickly. It covers:
- Basics of Scala
- Pattern matching
- Concurrent programming techniques
Link to course: Scala: The Big Picture
Note: A Pluralsight membership is required, costing approximately $29 monthly or $299 annually. Consider their 10-day free trial to access this course at no charge.
Functional Programming in Scala Specialization [Coursera]
This comprehensive specialization teaches Scala from the ground up, enabling you to write effective programs using frameworks like Apache Spark. Key topics include:
- Scala basics
- Integration with Spark
- Applications in big data
Link to course: Functional Programming in Scala Specialization
For those considering multiple Coursera courses, the Coursera Plus subscription offers unlimited access for about $399 per year.
Advanced Scala and Functional Programming [Udemy]
Designed for those with an intermediate understanding of Scala, this course dives deeper into:
- Advanced Scala programming
- High-level functional programming
- Useful Scala tools
Link to course: Advanced Scala and Functional Programming
Scala and Spark for Big Data and ML [Udemy]
If you're interested in big data and machine learning, this course is tailored for you, covering:
- Scala coding
- Applications in big data
- Machine learning fundamentals
Link to course: Scala and Spark for Big Data and ML
Learn Scala from Scratch [Educative]
This interactive, text-based course allows you to run Scala code directly in your browser, eliminating the need for installations. An excellent choice for beginners, it can be audited for free.
Link to course: Learn Scala from Scratch
For those enjoying the platform, consider the Educative Subscription for $14.99 monthly, providing access to over 100 courses.
Essential Scala Training [LinkedIn Learning]
This course is great for beginners and Java developers seeking to understand Scala. You'll learn about:
- Type inference
- File operations
- Exception handling
Link to course: Essential Scala Training
Akka Essentials with Scala | Rock the JVM
For those aspiring to become professional Scala developers, this course focuses on Akka, a leading concurrency framework, covering:
- Creating concurrent applications with actors
- Designing fault-tolerant systems
- Configuring Akka
Link to course: Akka Essentials with Scala
Akka HTTP with Scala | Rock the JVM
If your goal is to write reactive microservices and REST APIs, this course is perfect for you. It covers:
- Creating reactive microservices
- Server-side HTTP
- JSON integration
Link to course: Akka HTTP with Scala
Apache Spark with Scala — Hands-On with Big Data!
Given the rising popularity of Spark among Java developers, this course is essential. It offers:
- A crash course in Scala
- Hands-on projects
- Insights into Spark SQL, streaming, and graph processing
Link to course: Apache Spark with Scala
In conclusion, these are the top online courses for mastering Scala in 2023. As Scala continues to gain traction in fields like big data and machine learning, possessing this skill can enhance your employability and salary potential.
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Thank you for reading! If you found these top Scala and Functional Programming courses helpful, please share them with friends and colleagues. For any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out.
P.S. — If you're serious about learning Scala and frameworks like Akka, check out the free course **Scala Programming Mini Bootcamp for Beginners* on Udemy. This concise 1.5-hour course is a fantastic starting point for learning Scala online.*
Free Scala Tutorial: Scala Programming Mini Bootcamp For Beginners
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