What Are The Benefits Of Scala?

Scala or Java:

Pros:

• Scala supports both functional and imperative OO programming styles and it advocates that both models are not conflicting with each other but yet they are orthogonal and can complement each other. Scala doesn't require or force the programmer to use a particular style, but usually the standard is to use functional style with immutable variables when appropriate (there are several benefits of using the functional approach such as concise and short syntax and using pure functions usually reduces the amount of non-determinism and side-effects from the code), while resorting to imperative programming when the code would look simpler or more understandable.
• Scala doesn't require ; at the end of each line having it optional which leads to cleaner code
• In Scala functions are first class cititzens
• Scala supports some advanced features which are directly built in the language such as: Currying, Closures, Higher order functions, pattern matching, Higher Kinded Types, Monads, implicit params.
• Scala can interact very well with Java and both can coexist. It is possible to use java libraries directly inside Scala code invoking Java classes from scala code.
• Has Tuples built in the language which makes life easier in several scenarios
• Supports operator overloading
• has a rich Ecosystem and some popular open source projects in Apache are based on it.
• Async and Non-blocking code is very easy to write with Scala Futures
• Scala supports the Actor model using Akka which can be highly efficient and scalable when running distributed applications in multi-threaded and parallel business use cases (Enforce encapsulation without resorting to locks, State of actors is local and not shared, changes and data is propagated via message)
• Code tends to be shorter if compared to Java (might not be always the case)

Cons:

• Steep learning curve if compared to Java and other languages, requires more time in general from the learner to understand all the concepts clearly. Has many features
• It is not as well established as Java in the market since it was invented later so Java in overall is more mature and more battle-tested.
• Scala opens too many doors. It allows a lot of complex syntax that if used in a irresponsible way might lead to code that is hard to understand. Abusing things such as operator overloading, implicit params and other constructs can be counter-productive and might ruin code legibility.
• Java is also evolving and still getting better with newer versions (such as with JDK 9 modules)