When you start a software development project, you always face the challenge of choosing the tools for its creation. The modern market is full of robust and effective programming language options, but each comes with specific downsides and limitations. So, when planning your app or web resource, you need to take those issues in mind and evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative.
One of the promising tools gaining popularity today is Scala. It’s a new programming language with less than a decade of history. It was released in 2004 and quickly attracted the attention of tech giants like Twitter, Netflix, and LinkedIn.
So, what to look for in Scala developers for hire, where to find qualified experts, and how to conduct the recruitment process without friction? Here is a hiring guide with a quick intro to Scala’s benefits over other languages, contributing to its steadily rising popularity.
Why Scala?
There are many reasons to love Scala and prefer it to more popular and well-established programming languages. First, it’s Scala’s full compatibility with Java and seamless interoperability of Scala and Java codes. Scala programmers also use a wide range of Java libraries and write parts of code in either of these two languages.
Second, Scala promises sizable productivity boosts compared to other languages. It can increase the produced apps’ productivity manifold, scaling their operations endlessly to process massive operations without slowdowns. This feature is especially relevant for messengers and social networks that experience overload during significant events. So, Scala has found an application in the back-end development of highly concurrent apps.
Third, the combination of functional and object-oriented programming tools distinguishes Scala from many other programming options and ensures its versatility. While Java is only object-oriented, using Scala can expand the spectrum of operations you can accomplish during development.
Skills of Scala Coders
When recruiting Scala developers, HR managers need to conduct a thorough screening of candidates regarding their professional qualifications. In-depth knowledge of technical tools is vital for proper project completion. So, you need to determine whether your candidate is proficient with:
- Scala frameworks and libraries (Akka, Finagle, Spark, Scalding, etc.).
- Testing tools (Specs2, Scala Test).
- Code writing in Scala (Simple Build Tool).
Besides, the things to check with your potential Scala coder are:
- Expertise in dealing with tuples and macros in Scala without damaging the existing codebase.
- An ability to write safe and concise code while working with other SDLC parts.
- Technical expertise in Java programming, Python, and JavaScript.
- Experience in integrating Scala and Java code.
- Proficiency in software analysis and debugging/error handling in real-time.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Having a degree in Computer Science, Technology, or Engineering is also a plus, signaling that the developer has covered a long study path and has some academic background in coding.
Job Duties of Scala Programmers
Those who look for Scala developers for their team typically expect these experts to perform the following scope of duties in the project:
- Design and develop applications with Scala
- Maintain the existing apps by updating and optimizing them
- Conduct architectural development activities for app creation
- Deliver rigorous software analysis
- Write Scala code in compliance with the project’s specifications
- Test and debug the Scala apps in the making
- Collaborate with the development team to contribute to the project’s progression at all levels
- Provide concise documentation of the development process
Be sure to include these duties and responsibilities in the vacancy announcement. Scala developers looking for a job study the vacancies in detail to understand what will be expected from them and understand whether their qualifications fit the job requirements.
Interview Questions and Expertise Screening
Once you have screened the candidates’ resumes and have found several suitable experts, it’s time to conduct interviews and skill screening in person. You can organize this event either in your company’s office (if you’re hiring locally) or via any online communication tool (e.g., Skype or Zoom).
The interview should start from the basics and then proceed to in-depth practical aspects of Scala programming. Begin with the essentials of Scala theory, asking questions like:
- What comparative strengths and weaknesses do Scala, Java, and PHP have? In which cases would you use each of them?
- What Scala limitations have you come across? How did you solve them?
- Please comment on the functional vs. imperative paradigm of Scala.
- What other languages do you know that support the functional paradigm? Which ones did you work with?
If you’re satisfied with the quality and depth of your candidate’s answers to theoretical questions, proceed to the practical part.
- How do you contribute to the Scala community?
- What big companies employing Scala do you know? Which ones do you think would benefit from Scala integration?
- Please turn a piece of imperative code into a functional code variant.
- What Scala tools and libraries do you use in coding?
- Please integrate the Scala code piece into an existing Java codebase (a practical test).
The answers to these questions and a practical test will give you a better idea of whether the candidate fits the job. If you’re a businessperson lacking Scala expertise, ask your team lead or Scala expert already employed in the company to conduct the practical interview part. In this way, you will get an expert evaluation of your Scala candidates, choosing the person with an optimal tech stack and experience for your project needs.
