Check Out The Best IDE for Scala (9 Examples)

The right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can transform your experience with Scala programming.

Whether you are a beginner exploring Scala coding environments or an experienced developer looking for advanced tools, choosing from top options like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE, and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is crucial.

These development environments offer robust features like syntax highlighting, code debugging, and seamless SBT integration, ensuring efficient Scala development.

List of The Best IDE for Scala

And let’s look at them in more detail.

Intellij IDEA for Scala

Step into the world of IntelliJ IDEA, where Scala coding morphs from a chore into an art form. With its robust plugin for Scala, developers navigate through code like a hot knife through butter, courtesy of top-shelf refactoring tools and code-insight features that make catching bugs a breeze.

Best Features:

• Seamless integration with sbt
• Intelligent code completion
• On-the-fly error detection and fixes

What we like about it:
What really gets the spotlight is IntelliJ IDEA’s predictive nature. It’s like it reads your mind, offering just the right tool at precisely the right time – be it a quick-fix or a complete project overhaul. This predictive coding companion is worth its weight in gold.

Microsoft Visual Studio

Dive into Microsoft Visual Studio – this isn’t just an IDE, it’s a powerhouse that caters to various programming languages, not just Scala. Its versatility is its crown jewel, making it a top pick for developers who switch between languages without skipping a beat.

Best Features:

• Multilanguage support
• Integrated debugger
• Extensive extensions marketplace

What we like about it:
What stands out is its intense customizability. With its vast marketplace brimming with extensions, Visual Studio can become whatever you need it to be, sculpted to perfection for any project you tackle.

Scala IDE for Eclipse

Scala IDE for Eclipse is like a faithful companion for Scala developers. Built on the Eclipse framework, it meticulously caters to the ins and outs of Scala development with a familiar Eclipse touch, juggling both simple scripts and complex enterprise applications.

Best Features:

• Integrated Play Framework support
• Comprehensive Scala SDK management
• Interactive error and syntax highlighting

What we like about it:
Eclipse’s prowess is in its integration. It’s like your Scala code is having a seamless conversation with the framework, fostering a hassle-free development experience, courtesy of its Play Framework friendship.

NetBeans

NetBeans is the friendly giant, embracing Scala with open arms along with a multitude of other languages. Its strong points? Clarity in design and a community that’s just a click away, eager to help with any code pickle you find yourself in.

Best Features:

• Intuitive project management
• Powerful code templates and snippets
• Robust debugging tools

What we like about it:
The real talk about NetBeans often circles back to its community and the comfortable project management aspect—it’s like having a coding mentor and a personal organizer in one package.

Vim

There’s a charm to Vim that’s hard to ignore. It’s the minimalist’s dream come true, with a keyboard-centric approach that makes coding flow like poetry. Hardcore fans revel in its efficiency and the ninja-like speed at which they can code.

Best Features:

• Highly customizable
• Keyboard-focused interface
• Light on system resources

What we like about it:
Its learning curve is a badge of honor. Once mastered, Vim’s efficiency is unmatched, and that’s the kind of street cred that gets nods in the dev community.

JDoodle

JDoodle is your quick-draw coding partner, ready at the draw of a URL. Ideal for quick tests and small projects, it’s a fuss-free playground for your ideas to take shape without any downloads or configurations.

Best Features:

• Instant code execution
• Simple, user-friendly interface
• Supports multiple programming languages

What we like about it:
JDoodle is uniquely appealing for those spontaneous bursts of creativity, offering an instant sandbox for your Scala sketches anywhere and anytime.

Sublime Text

Behold Sublime Text – the sleek, nimble editor that’s all about making every keystroke count. It’s a favorite for coders who want to get straight to the point, thanks to sublime shortcuts and a design that’s as clean as a whistle.

Best Features:

• Lightning-fast search and navigation
• Multiple selections for simultaneous editing
• A vast array of plugins

What we like about it:
What fans can’t stop yapping about is the “Goto Anything” feature—type a few characters, and it swoops you right to the code you’re after. It’s the search functionality on superhero mode.

OneCompiler

Say hello to OneCompiler, your no-frills, web-based Scala compadre. This is the tool when you want zero setups but all the perks of seeing your Scala code come to life.

Best Features:

• Immediate compilation and run
• Straightforward, accessible UI
• Support for other languages alongside Scala

What we like about it:
OneCompiler’s claim to fame is its turnkey solution. No downloads, no sweat—just type and go. It doesn’t get simpler than that for running quick code checks or learning new concepts on the fly.

Scastie

Whisk your Scala code online with Scastie, the nifty browser-based sandbox. It’s all about simplicity and sharing – perfect for those ‘Aha!’ moments when you want to quickly jot down and share a piece of Scala brilliance.

Best Features:

• Direct integration with sbt
• Access to an extensive library ecosystem
• Embedded snippets in GitHub and Gists

What we like about it:
The online community is buzzing about its snippet-sharing feature—it’s like social media for your code. Chuck your Scala snippets out into the world, and watch the collaboration magic unfold.

FAQ On The Best IDEs For Scala

What are the best IDEs for Scala?

IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE, and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) stand out as exceptional choices for Scala programming. They offer powerful tools, robust syntax highlighting, and seamless integration with SBT. Their various plugins and extensions make development smoother and more efficient.

Which IDE is most beginner-friendly for Scala?

DrScala is designed specifically for beginners. It provides a simple interface and focuses on ease of use, making it perfect for those new to Scala coding environments. Despite its simplicity, it still supports essential features like code completion and code debugging.

Can I use VS Code for Scala development?

Yes, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) supports Scala. By incorporating the Metals language server, you gain access to powerful features like code navigation, syntax highlighting, and code refactoring. This makes VS Code a flexible and efficient option for Scala developers.

Are there any open-source IDEs for Scala?

Eclipse IDE is an excellent open-source option for Scala programming. With the addition of the Scala plugin, it becomes a solid tool for Scala development. The plugin provides features like code completion, unit testing, and support for SBT builds.

Does IntelliJ IDEA support advanced Scala development?

Absolutely. IntelliJ IDEA offers advanced features tailored for Scala development. It supports complex tasks like code refactoring, comprehensive code debugging, and integrated Scala REPL. Its robust plugin architecture makes it a powerful tool for any Scala developer.

How do I set up an IDE for Scala?

Setting up an IDE for Scala involves a few key steps. Install the IDE—such as IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse IDE—then add the necessary Scala plugins. Ensure you have SBT installed for build management. This setup provides a solid foundation for efficient development.

What plugins are essential for Scala development?

Several plugins are critical for Scala development. For IntelliJ IDEA, the Scala plugin is indispensable. In Eclipse IDE, you need the Scala IDE plugin. Metals is crucial for VS Code. These plugins enhance your development experience with features like code completion and unit testing.

Can I use Scala with other JVM languages in the same IDE?

Yes, many IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse IDE allow you to work with both Scala and other JVM languages like Java. This flexibility is advantageous for projects that require multi-language support, offering seamless integration and efficient source code management.

Is there an IDE for Scala with strong community support?

IntelliJ IDEA enjoys robust community support, making it a popular choice for Scala developers. The community provides extensive documentation, plugins, and extensions, ensuring ongoing development and support. This makes it easier to find solutions and tutorials.

How do I integrate Scala with tools like SBT?

Integrating Scala with SBT is straightforward. In IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse IDE, you can create projects that automatically include SBT support. This setup allows for efficient build management, continuous integration, and streamlined development workflows.

Conclusion

Finding the best IDEs for Scala can significantly improve your development experience. Tools like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE, and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offer robust features such as syntax highlighting, code debugging, and seamless SBT integration. Each IDE brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for diverse Scala coding environments. Whether you’re a beginner using DrScala or an advanced developer leveraging Metals and ENSIME, these IDEs provide everything you need for effective Scala programming. Choose the right IDE to streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity.

If you liked this article about the best IDE for Scala, you should check out this article about the best IDE for Golang.

There are also similar articles discussing the best IDE for Linux, the best IDE for PHP, the best IDE for Rust, and the best IDE for Ruby.

And let’s not forget about articles on the best IDE for TypeScript, the best IDE for Angular, the best IDE for React, and the best IDE for Android.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.

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