Scala has become one of the go-to programming languages for people looking for an alternative to Java. Like other high-level programming languages, Scala has to be compiled or interpreted before it can be deployed. Downloadable Scala compilers are designed for this purpose, but an online Scala compiler will offer the same result and will take up less time and memory.
This article is your complete guide to choosing the right Scala compiler for your programming projects. You will find a list of the top five Scala compilers and what each one offers so you can decide which is the most ideal for your source project.
What Is Scala?
Let’s start with what Scala is. Scala is a general-purpose, object-oriented, and functional programming language designed by Martin Odersky in 2004 to fix the challenges programmers faced while using Java. The statistically-typed programming language has a similar syntax to C but is far more scalable than C, Java, and other similar high-level programming languages.
Scala’s functional programming feature makes it ideal for web application development, data processing, and distributed computing. Its scalability also means it’s an ideal code for enterprise development. Plus, its clear and precise syntax makes it easy to learn and manipulate.
What Is an Online Scala Compiler?
An online Scala compiler is a website that’s specifically designed to convert Scala, a human-readable language, into machine code, also known as assembly language. Online compilers are often more convenient than their downloadable counterparts.
Some online Scala compilers serve only one function, while others are attached to integrated development environments. Some are free, and others are paid, but the premium, more costly compilers usually come with more features.
How to Run Scala Online: Compilers, Interpreters, Code Editors, and IDE
Just like a compiler is an important tool for converting Scala, there are a few other key tools that can also help speed up your Scala projects. Among them are code editors, code interpreters, and integrated development environments (IDE).
Online Scala Compiler vs Online Scala Interpreter
A Scala interpreter plays a similar role as a compiler save for a few key differences. For starters, an online Scala interpreter is used to convert individual statements from the scale source code into machine language or binary code. It can’t convert an entire program into machine language the way a compiler does.
Some advanced developers prefer to use interpreters rather than compilers because it allows them to more easily spot bugs as they go. If a compiler is used instead, the whole program must be converted before it can be analyzed for bugs.
Online Scala Compiler vs Online Scala Editor
As the name implies, an online Scala editor is used to write, edit, and manipulate the source code of a program directly from a web browser. Apart from being used for writing and editing, a Scala code editor can also make it easier for the programmer to read the source code and identify elements that need to be adjusted.
Just like with Scala interpreters, there are some standalone Scala source code editors and there are also code editors that are built into an IDE.
Online Scala Compiler vs Online Scala IDE
When a website is tagged as a compiler, that means it has a singular function, which is to compile source code into machine code. An IDE is a virtual environment that is used by developers to create, compile, interpret, edit, and finalize a software product.
If you have the right Scala IDE, you do not need to look for a separate compiler or online editor. You’ll find all the functions you need to code and deploy your program within the IDE. Some Scala IDEs also come with code-sharing features that allow you to collaborate on a project with a team.
Top 5 Online Scala Compilers
| Online Scala Compiler | Price | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Ideone | Free | Compiler |
| JDoodle | Free | IDE with compiler |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Free | IDE with compiler |
| OneCompiler | Free | Compiler |
| Scastie | Free | IDE with compiler |
How can you decide which compiler to use for your current project? Getting a glimpse of what the top Scala compilers offer will help you make the right choice. Below are some details about the five top Scala compilers listed in the table above.
Ideone
Ideone is a free compiling and debugging tool that can be used with Scala and over 60 other programming languages. The mobile-friendly website also allows you to add notes and insert the compiler’s application programming interface (API) on your blog or website. The Ideone website has several samples and an interactive tutorial you can watch if you’re struggling with how to use it.
Ideone Features
- It’s a compiler with a debugging tool.
- It features Sphere Engine technology that allows programmers to execute programs remotely.
- Ideone offers an IDE widget that includes many more functions.
JDoodle
JDoodle is another great option for developers who want a compiler that’s built right into an IDE. Using JDoodle, you can write, edit, debug, and execute your program online without downloading any software. The platform is free to use and is ideal for compiling Scala 3 and more than 75 other programming languages.
JDoodle Features
- Downloadable apps for the compiler are available for iOS and Android.
- The enterprise version can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs.
- JDoodle can be easily integrated into your website or application thanks to its API.
- The program comes with debugging services.
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft is globally known as one of the foremost providers of free, high-quality IDE. Visual Studio supports Scala 3, Java, Python, and all other popular programming languages. With this program, you can write, edit, debug, and deploy your programs directly from the virtual playground for developers.
Microsoft Visual Studio Features
- The IDE is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows.
- It has an optional automatic code completion option.
- Syntax errors appear as you type code, not just when you’re debugging a program.
- There is a GitHub integration option so you can share code with your team.
OneCompiler
OneCompiler is one of the most popular compilers out there for Scala, Python, Ruby, and many other programming languages. It comes in both a downloadable and online version depending on what works best for you. Plus, there are cheat sheets and tutorials on the website to guide new developers through OneCompiler’s resources.
OneCompiler Features
- It has a sample feature of boilerplate code.
- It supports over 35 programming languages including Python, Node.js, JavaScript, and Java.
- Registered programmers can get easy access to their coding history for reference.
- OneCompiler’s Scala center is fully accessible on mobile devices.
Scastie
This compiler is integrated with a Scala IDE. It allows you to run any program written in Scala 3 directly from your browser. Since it’s free, you don’t need to sign up for anything before you get access to all of Scastie’s functions. Simply visit the official Scastie website, create your code snippet, and start compiling.
Scastie Features
- It has a code-sharing feature that allows you to show your work to fellow developers online.
- The website is mobile-friendly, so you can access it from Google Chrome or whichever browser you use on your mobile device.
- There is also a Scala interpreter available for developers who like to use that feature.
- You can decide to download the IDE if you’re not satisfied with the web version.
Which Online Scala Compiler Should I Choose?
You should choose a Scala compiler that has the right combination of features to suit the needs of your project. Fresh Scala coding bootcamp graduates or students who are still learning should go for a simple compiler like Ideone or JDoodle. Developers with more experience may want to try a compiler with a more complex interface such as Microsoft Visual Studio.
OneCompiler is a great option for a programmer who needs a large database in order to keep track of all their files and code samples. Scastie is a top choice if your project involves sharing code, config files, and source files with colleagues, or if you know you’ll be doing a lot of work on a mobile device. Any Scala compiler that’s on the top five listed here will get the job done.
Online Scala Compiler FAQ
Scala is a high-level coding language, so it can be compiled if you have the right tools, such as compiler plugins or an incremental compiler, in addition to the resources listed above. If it’s not compiled or interpreted, Scala 3 cannot be used to create web applications or analyze data. It must be converted to machine-readable language first.
No, Kotlin isn’t necessarily better than Scala 2 or Scala 3. However, both programming languages were designed to fix problems that coders were encountering with Java. Kotlin is faster to compile than Scala because Scala has a relatively complex type system. However, Scala is more scalable than Kotlin, so it’s better for large-scale projects.
Yes, Scala is relatively similar to Python. Both programming languages are high-level and general-purpose. This means that they are easy to understand and have several uses. They also fall in the functional language category and are renowned for their straightforward code syntax.
Scala is faster than Python because Scala is a compiled programming language while Python is mostly interpreted. Some developers may attempt to interpret Scala, but it’s important to note that it isn’t standard practice. If you need to choose between the two, you may want to learn Python because it’s significantly more popular than Scala.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
