Can Scala Gain Wider Usage Than Java in the Future?

Scala, a general-purpose programming language that combines object-oriented and functional programming, has had its ups and downs over the years. Despite being introduced in 2003, it has not seen the widespread adoption that many hoped for, often lagging behind more established languages like Java. This article explores the challenges and potential for Scala to surpass Java's usage in the near future.

Backwards Compatibility and the Future of Scala

The release of Scala 3.0, codename Dotty, with TASTy backwards compatibility, is anticipated to address some of the major issues with previous versions. Scala versions, starting from 2.9 to 2.11, have not been backward-compatible, leading to significant disruptions when upgrading. For example, the popular Spray HTTP library had to be redone with the upgrade to Scala 2.11, as it could not be directly used.

The lack of backwards compatibility has been a significant obstacle in the past. However, with the introduction of TASTy, this should become a thing of the past, facilitating smoother transitions between versions and potentially leading to a broader adoption of Scala.

The Problem of Poor Tech Leadership at Bank of America

The case of the outdated and deprecated Akka Spray at Bank of America serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of failing to maintain and update dependencies. When legacy projects like Akka Spray are no longer supported, they can lead to severe issues that may necessitate a complete reimplementation of the codebase. This highlights the importance of proactive technology leadership and regular updates to avoid such problems.

Current Popularity and Future Prospects

While Scala has shown promise, its current popularity in comparison to Java remains relatively low. Here are some key metrics to consider:

According to the TIOBE Index, Scala currently ranks at 30th, which is considered a plateau in terms of growth potential. PYPL (Popularity of Programming Language) puts Scala at 16th, reflecting ongoing trends in developer preference. RedMonk rates Scala at 13th, indicating that while recognized, it is not among the top choices. The IEEE Spectrum rank places Scala at 12th, showing some recognition but not reaching the top tiers.

These rankings suggest that despite its potential, Scala has not yet broken into the top 10 programming languages. The current state of Scala is that it is being used in a few well-known projects, but not at the scale of Java.

Why Scala May Not Surpass Java's Usage

Several factors contribute to the limited usage of Scala:

Lack of Backwards Compatibility: While Scala 3.0 aims to improve this, the history of incompatible versions has been a significant deterrent. Developer Trends: Java's longevity and stability, combined with its wide usage in enterprise applications, keep it a favorite among many developers. New Licensing Concepts: The shift in licensing concepts by Oracle may also inadvertently limit the adoption of JVM (Java Virtual Machine) languages like Scala. Community and Ecosystem: Java has a much larger community and a more mature ecosystem, providing more tools and resources for developers.

While Scala has a dedicated user base and a solid foundation, its path to becoming more widely adopted seems to be hindered by some of these factors. However, with the ongoing development and improvements, such as TASTy, it is possible that Scala could see a resurgence in the future.

Conclusion

Can Scala gain wider usage than Java in the future? The answer is not clear-cut. While it has shown promise and has some notable advantages, such as its blend of object-oriented and functional programming, the challenges it faces are significant. Factors like backwards compatibility, developer trends, and new licensing concepts are likely to continue influencing its adoption rate. Nonetheless, the development of Scala 3.0 and the potential for smoother transitions between versions may position Scala to be a more viable option for developers looking for a flexible and powerful language. Time will tell if these improvements will enough to surpass Java's wide usage and recognition in the programming world.