Toward a Safer Scala

Scala has many, well-known WTF LOLs that result from the language too enthusiastically attempting to help the programmer. Scala can also be written across a wide range of styles from the Typelevel to the Better Java. The Scala ecosystem has static analysis and linting tools which can help avoid confusing behavior, baffling compiler messages, and divergent coding styles. A survey of the available tools will prepare attendees to determine which can be best applied in greenfield and existing projects. A case study of a team using static analysis tools over many years will also be presented. Attendees will leave with steps to immediately improve their production builds and strategies to introduce more sweeping changes with time.


Author:
Leif Wickland
Leif Wickland writes Scala to mine billions of records for Oracle's Service Cloud. In one of his first jobs, Leif wrote software for livestock auction yards. His boss also owned the town newspaper. When the only reporter fell ill, Leif played journalist for a couple days. He published pieces he's glad don't appear online. His second most noteworthy accomplishment at that job was fixing bugs in 3,000-line functions. The resulting trauma contributes to his penchant for static analysis. Leif lives in Bozeman, Montana, where he cycles, skis, and runs on various surfaces in an attempt to keep up with his neighbors.