Hire Scala developers pre-screened for technical and cultural fit

Scala is short for scalable language that has a high-performance runtime and, thus, proves highly attractive to finance and big data industries. Although Scala is a general-purpose language, companies primarily use it to build data-intensive distributed applications and systems and solve complex programming problems.

Many companies seek to hire Scala developers as part of their engineering teams. There aren’t as many jobs for the already small pool of Scala developers as for more common languages, which puts these professionals in high demand with commandingly high salaries. All this makes finding and hiring Scala developers challenging, even for the most experienced hiring managers.

What Is Scala Development?

Scala runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and works with existing Java code. Like Java, its source code compiles into bytecode for execution. However, Scala is different from Java in several significant ways. Scala uses both object-oriented and functional programming. It's less readable than Java due to nested code but much faster at processing and compiling code.

Netflix, LinkedIn, and Uber all use Scala in their applications. Scala excels at large data applications such as these. It's used in data processing applications like the Spark framework to handle real-time data streaming and distributed computing applications, which store components on separate computers but run them as a cohesive system.

Why Scala Development?

When comparing Scala to Java, startups or established businesses may choose Scala development for several reasons. Scala is a concise syntax, which reduces the development process. Scala’s type interface offers advanced capabilities, and developers don’t need to define the type of every variable, allowing for cleaner code. Scala is also a cheaper alternative to Java. Despite this, Scala is interoperable with Java, meaning developers can access Java libraries and call Java code with Scala.

Besides its compatibility with Java libraries, Scala comes with its own robust ecosystem. Scala’s libraries and tools support functional, object-oriented programming, concurrent and distributed computing, data analysis, and web development. Its ecosystem constantly evolves, and developers can use it to build simple scripts onto complex performance systems.

Scala development allows companies to build better software systems and programs, innovate faster, and improve their digital offerings. As a result, the process can support business growth and competitive advantage.

Benefits of Scala Development

Finding the best language for each project depends on its individual needs and goals. Scala development, in particular, is efficient, expressive, scalable, and reliable. Some of this language's specific benefits include:

• Concise syntax: The concise nature of Scala leads to shorter scripts and development time. It also makes the language more readable, reducing the likelihood of bugs in the code.
• Scala ecosystem: Scala features a robust ecosystem with a rich collection of libraries, frameworks, and tools. As Scala is interoperable with Java, developers can also access Java's features to streamline workflows.
• Multi-paradigm programming language: With Scala, developers can seamlessly integrate object-oriented and functional programming features. This can make code more robust, scalable, and maintainable.
• Language features: Scala allows developers to utilize advanced language features, such as pattern matching, higher-kinded types, and case classes. These features facilitate sophisticated designs and abstractions.

What Does a Scala Developer Do?

Scala developers design, build, and maintain Scala applications. They’re responsible for producing code to specifications, analyzing software, and collaborating with other software development team members.

Senior-level Scala developers have a significant role in designing software, including meeting with stakeholders to understand their business needs. They use analytical and problem-solving skills to develop software and architecture and accomplish business goals.

Junior-level developers will have more narrowly defined roles. They may be responsible for writing code to specifications or testing and debugging code. Junior-level developers work under direct supervision.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Scala developers should possess different soft and hard skills depending on the project that they will partake in. Time management is an essential skill for Scala developers to possess. With multiple tasks, an effective developer must prioritize the most urgent ones. A Scala developer with good time management skills routinely meets deadlines and doesn’t cause delays with the rest of the team.

Another soft skill to consider when scouting Scala developers is their ability to work with others. While developers can use Scala for both front- and back-end development, Scala developers need to work alongside other developers and problem-solve as a team. Thus, communication is also important. Collaboration between developers is essential, and developers may need to translate complicated technical jargon to stakeholders or other team members who aren’t technically savvy.

On the technical side, Scala developers should have a strong familiarity with the Scala programming language and ecosystem. The Scala ecosystem consists of resources, libraries, frameworks, and tools that support development through the Scala language.

Scala developers should understand other back-end languages like Java, Kotlin, and Python. Familiarity with front-end languages and frameworks that complement Scala, such as Javascript and React Native, is also useful for iOS and mobile app development. Scala developers should also know multiple programming paradigms, such as functional, object-oriented, concurrent, and parallel programming.

As databases are a fundamental component of many software applications, Scala developers must be familiar with databases such as NoSQL and relational databases. With this knowledge, Scala developers ensure that data storage, retrieval, and processing is efficient.

Popular Scala Development-Related Languages and Libraries

The Scala programming language is essential for all Scala developers to know. Its features enable developers to build and manipulate complex data structures in type-safe and efficient ways. The Scala language has strong ties to the Java ecosystem and is important because of its scalability, versatility, and functional programming support.

Additionally, efficient Scala developers should be familiar with other programming languages.

Related Languages

Versatile Scala developers who are familiar with a multitude of programming languages also understand various programming paradigms. This knowledge can facilitate collaboration with other developers, increase problem-solving abilities, and broaden the developer's perspectives. Some related languages that will assist Scala developers with web development include:

• Java: Java is an object-oriented programming language that developers utilize to build various applications. With Java, developers can write code on any platform that supports JVM.
• Python: Python is a general-purpose language that can solve many issues in web development, automation, and web applications. It has a simple syntax compared to other programming languages.
• Kotlin: Kotlin is a general-purpose language designed for the JVM. It is an object-oriented programming language that developers use for Android development. Scala developers who need to learn Android development need an understanding of Kotlin.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is a front-end language developers use to add dynamic content such as animations, real-time updates, and machine learning to websites. Knowledge of JavaScript and runtime environments such as Node.js is beneficial for full-stack or back-end Scala developers who need to communicate frequently with front-end JavaScript developers.

Related Libraries and Frameworks

Developers can utilize several libraries and frameworks to maximize the efficiency of their workflows. Some of the more popular libraries and frameworks that Scala developers use include:

• Akka: Akka is a toolkit consisting of a set of libraries. Developers use Akka to build scalable and resilient applications for Scala. Akka assists developers in building distributed, highly concurrent, and fault-tolerant systems.
• Hadoop: Hadoop is a framework that stores and processes large amounts of data. Because Hadoop is a Java-based framework, Scala developers can easily use the Hadoop ecosystem.
• Angular: While Angular is a front-end framework, it pairs well with a Scala back-end that provides RESTful APIs. Developers can utilize Angular to interact with Scala APIs and complete a web application.
• Play framework: This open-source web application framework follows the Model-View-Controller architectural pattern. It is designed to optimize developer productivity by utilizing convention over configuration, display of browser error, and hot code reloading.

Popular Scala Development Programming Tools

Scala developers leverage various programming tools to increase productivity and streamline workflows. Some of the more popular programming tools that Scala developers use include:

• Git: Git is a version control system developers use to collaborate efficiently. This tool tracks changes and edits to code, allowing multiple developers to work remotely, easily save their work, and access previous versions of code.
• Kubernetes: Kubernetes is a tool that helps developers manage Docker containers. It allows developers to build containers for applications that automate their deployment, scaling, and operation.
• AWS: While Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform, Scala developers can leverage it for scalable, high-performance applications. AWS can accommodate various needs, such as data-intensive processing tasks and web services.
• Scalatest: Scaletest is a comprehensive testing tool that encourages clear, understandable, and maintainable test code for the Scala programming language. It supports multiple testing systems, such as traditional unit tests and behavior-driven development.

How Does Scala Development Fit Into Modern Back-end Development?

The Scala programming language’s combination of object-oriented and functional programming paradigms makes it a modern back-end development language. Scala’s functional nature aligns with data transformation and JVM operations, making it an excellent choice for big data processing frameworks.

Scala’s robust ecosystem fits in with modern back-end development. Developers can utilize numerous libraries, frameworks, and tools, including those of Java, to create more effective workflows. The invention of Scala Native and Scala.js allows for cross-platform functionality beyond the JVM. This allows back-end systems to share code with front-end JavaScript or native applications.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Scala Developer?

Scala developers earn significantly more than most other developers on the job market for the following reasons:

• Scala is more niche than other programming languages, so developers are more challenging to find.
• Because of its scalability, Scala is ideal for building complex, high-performance applications that are more expensive to develop.
• The combination of functional and object-oriented programming is increasingly in demand.

Because of these factors, a mid-level Scala developer with four to six years of experience in the U.S. earns an average annual salary between $93,000 and $156,000. This number varies based on skill level, geographical location, and employee benefits offerings.

Scala developers in Latin America also outearn their counterparts in other languages. However, they still earn much less than U.S.-based developers. While developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, the lower cost of living means they’re usually paid 30% to 50% less than their U.S. counterparts, with salaries varying based on location and experience. Revelo provides a cost-effective solution while offering highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers.

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Finding Scala Developers for Your Project

Finding the best Scala developer to fit a project is a challenge that requires time and effort. Before looking for potential candidates, hiring managers should consider the project's scope and how a Scala developer can help the team reach its overall goals. With this information, the hiring manager can determine the essential soft and technical skillsets a good fit would possess.

Posting detailed job descriptions on online job boards and utilizing professional online networks such as LinkedIn helps find potential candidates. However, developer networks, communities, and forums like GitHub and Stack Overflow are excellent places to discover top talent. After considering several Scala developers, hiring managers should carefully interview each candidate with questions specific to the project and decide on the developers that best fit their team.

Revelo's talent platform offers a great solution for businesses that would rather allocate resources toward other areas of their business. Revelo assists companies in finding pre-vetted Scala developers at a fraction of the cost.

Why Hire Scala Developers With Revelo?

A qualified Scala developer can help companies stay ahead of competitors by creating efficient, scalable, and maintainable apps and systems. If you're looking to hire Scala developers with the highest expertise and experience, consider using Revelo. We are a talent marketplace that gathers the best Latin American remote tech talent pre-vetted for top-notch skills in many in-demand fields.

With Revelo, you can save time and effort by leaving the hiring process to us. We’ll also assist with onboarding tasks, including payroll and benefits administration, taxes, and compliance with local laws. The hiring process will take weeks instead of months, allowing Scala development projects to get underway quickly.

Contact Revelo today and learn how we can help you hire Scala developers for a best-in-class software development team.

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