How To Install Scala on Linux Mint 22

Installing Scala on Linux Mint 22 opens up a world of modern programming capabilities, combining object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple installation methods, ensuring you can successfully set up Scala on your Linux Mint 22 system regardless of your experience level.

Scala, short for “scalable language,” is a powerful programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and offers seamless interoperability with Java. Linux Mint 22, being a developer-friendly distribution, provides an excellent environment for Scala development. Whether you’re a beginner exploring functional programming or an experienced developer transitioning to Scala, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Understanding Scala and System Requirements

What is Scala?

Scala stands as a general-purpose, high-level programming language that elegantly combines object-oriented and functional programming approaches. Every element in Scala is an object, eliminating the concept of primitive data types found in other languages. The language compiles to bytecode and runs efficiently on the JVM, making it highly compatible with existing Java ecosystems.

The language draws inspiration from Java, Lisp, Haskell, and Pizza, creating a refined and type-safe programming environment. Scala’s design philosophy emphasizes expressing general programming patterns in a succinct, elegant manner while maintaining scalability for large applications.

System Requirements for Linux Mint 22

Before installing Scala, ensure your Linux Mint 22 system meets the basic requirements. Your system should have at least 2GB of RAM, though 4GB or more is recommended for optimal performance. The installation requires approximately 500MB of disk space for Scala and its dependencies.

Java 1.8 or higher serves as a fundamental prerequisite, as Scala runs on the JVM. Modern Linux Mint 22 installations typically include Java by default, but verification remains essential. Both x86-64 and ARM64 architectures are fully supported, with specific installation commands for each platform.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Checking Current System Status

Start by verifying your Linux Mint 22 version and checking for existing Scala installations. Open a terminal using Ctrl + Alt + T and run:

lsb_release -a

Check if Scala is already installed:

scala -version

If Scala is installed, you’ll see version information. Otherwise, the command will return an error, indicating a fresh installation is needed.

Update your system to ensure all packages are current:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Java Installation and Verification

Java installation is crucial for Scala functionality. Linux Mint 22 typically includes Java, but verification ensures compatibility. Check your Java installation:

java --version

If Java isn’t installed, install the default JDK:

sudo apt install default-jdk

This command installs OpenJDK, which provides excellent compatibility with Scala. After installation, verify the Java version:

java --version

You should see output similar to:

openjdk 11.0.15 2022-04-19
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 11.0.15+10-Ubuntu-0ubuntu0.20.04.1)

Installing Essential Dependencies

Ensure essential utilities are installed:

sudo apt install curl wget

Verify curl installation:

curl --version

These tools are necessary for downloading Scala installation scripts and packages.

Method 1: Installing Scala Using Coursier (Recommended)

Introduction to Coursier

Coursier represents the official Scala installer, providing a streamlined installation experience. The Scala Center specifically recommends this method because it automatically installs all necessary components, including Java if not present, build tools, and additional utilities.

The cs setup command eliminates the complexity traditionally associated with Scala installation, making it accessible to beginners while providing advanced configuration options for experienced users.

Installing Coursier

For x86-64 architecture systems, execute this command:

curl -fL https://github.com/coursier/coursier/releases/latest/download/cs-x86_64-pc-linux.gz | gzip -d > cs && chmod +x cs && ./cs setup

For ARM64 architecture systems, use:

curl -fL https://github.com/VirtusLab/coursier-m1/releases/latest/download/cs-aarch64-pc-linux.gz | gzip -d > cs && chmod +x cs && ./cs setup

The command downloads the Coursier binary, makes it executable, and initiates the setup process.

Running cs setup

When prompted about adding the installation directory to your PATH, respond with ‘Y’:

Should we add ~/.local/share/coursier/bin to your PATH via ~/.profile? [Y/n] Y

The setup process installs multiple components automatically:

• JDK (if not already installed)
• Build tools (sbt and mill)
• Ammonite enhanced REPL
• Scalafmt code formatter
• Coursier CLI
• Scala and scalac command-line tools

Installation typically takes several minutes, depending on your internet connection and whether Java needs to be installed.

Verification and Testing

After installation completes, restart your terminal or log out and back in to apply PATH changes. Verify your installation:

scala -version

Expected output:

Scala code runner version 3.3.6 -- Copyright 2002-2022, LAMP/EPFL

Test the Scala REPL by running:

scala

This opens the interactive Scala environment where you can execute Scala code directly.

Method 2: Installing Scala via Package Manager

Using APT Package Manager

Linux Mint’s APT package manager offers a straightforward alternative installation method. Update your package list:

sudo apt update

Install Scala directly from the repositories:

sudo apt install scala

This method is simpler but may not provide the latest Scala version. The repository version might lag behind the official releases, making it suitable for users who prefer stability over cutting-edge features.

Installing from Ubuntu Repositories

Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, you can leverage Ubuntu’s package repositories. The installation command remains the same:

sudo apt install scala

This approach works well for educational environments or situations where you need a stable, tested version rather than the absolute latest release.

Verification Steps

Confirm the installation:

scala -version

Check installed packages:

dpkg -l | grep scala

Method 3: Manual Installation from Official Distribution

Downloading Scala Distribution

Visit the official Scala download page or use wget to download the latest distribution:

wget https://downloads.lightbend.com/scala/2.13.12/scala-2.13.12.tgz

Verify the download integrity if checksums are provided on the download page.

Extracting and Installing

Create an installation directory:

sudo mkdir -p /opt/scala

Extract the downloaded archive:

sudo tar -xzf scala-2.13.12.tgz -C /opt/scala --strip-components=1

Set appropriate permissions:

sudo chown -R root:root /opt/scala
sudo chmod -R 755 /opt/scala

Environment Configuration

Add Scala to your PATH by editing your shell configuration file:

echo 'export SCALA_HOME=/opt/scala' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:$SCALA_HOME/bin' >> ~/.bashrc

Reload your shell configuration:

source ~/.bashrc

Post-Installation Configuration

Environment Variables Setup

Verify environment variables are correctly set:

echo $SCALA_HOME
echo $PATH | grep scala

For system-wide installation, modify /etc/environment:

sudo nano /etc/environment

Add the following lines:

SCALA_HOME="/opt/scala"
PATH="/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/opt/scala/bin"

Shell Configuration

For Zsh users, modify ~/.zshrc instead of ~/.bashrc:

echo 'export SCALA_HOME=/opt/scala' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:$SCALA_HOME/bin' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

Restart your terminal to ensure all changes take effect. Some installations may require a complete logout and login cycle.

IDE Integration Setup

IntelliJ IDEA Configuration:

1. Install the Scala plugin through the plugin manager
2. Configure the Scala SDK in Project Settings
3. Point to your Scala installation directory

VS Code Setup:

1. Install the “Metals” extension for Scala development
2. Install the “Scala Syntax” extension for syntax highlighting
3. Configure the Scala language server

Verification and Testing Your Installation

Command Line Verification

Test the Scala compiler:

scalac -version

Verify the Scala REPL access:

scala

Within the REPL, test basic functionality:

scala> println("Hello, Scala!")
Hello, Scala!

scala> val x = 42
val x: Int = 42

scala> :quit

Creating Your First Scala Program

Create a simple “Hello World” program:

nano HelloWorld.scala

Add the following content:

object HelloWorld {
  def main(args: Array[String]): Unit = {
    println("Hello, World from Scala!")
  }
}

Compile and run the program:

scalac HelloWorld.scala
scala HelloWorld

This workflow demonstrates the complete Scala development cycle from source code to execution.

Testing Build Tools

If installed via Coursier, test SBT availability:

sbt --version

Test Scala CLI:

scala-cli --version

Verify Ammonite REPL:

amm

Advanced Configuration and Tools

Additional Scala Tools

Scalafmt Configuration:
Create a .scalafmt.conf file in your project directory:

version = "3.7.1"
runner.dialect = scala3

Format Scala files:

scalafmt --test

Ammonite REPL Features:
Ammonite provides enhanced REPL functionality with syntax highlighting, multi-line editing, and improved error messages. Launch it with:

amm

Version Management

Coursier allows managing multiple Scala versions:

cs launch scala:2.13.12
cs launch scalac:2.13.12

Install specific versions globally:

cs install scala:2.13.12 scalac:2.13.12

Update all installed tools:

cs update

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Problems

Permission Errors:
Ensure you have proper sudo privileges. If installation fails, try:

sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ~/.local/share/coursier

Network Connectivity:
If downloads fail, check your internet connection and try again. Some corporate networks may block certain download URLs.

Dependency Conflicts:
Remove conflicting packages:

sudo apt remove --purge openjdk*
sudo apt autoremove

Then reinstall Java and Scala.

Runtime Issues

PATH Configuration Problems:
Verify PATH settings:

which scala
which scalac

If commands aren’t found, ensure PATH is correctly configured and reload your shell.

Java Compatibility Issues:
Ensure Java version compatibility:

java -version
scala -version

Scala requires Java 8 or higher. Update Java if necessary.

Version Conflicts

Multiple Installation Cleanup:
Remove old installations:

sudo apt remove scala
rm -rf ~/.local/share/coursier

Fresh Installation:
For a completely clean installation:

sudo apt purge scala*
rm -rf ~/.scala
rm -rf ~/.sbt

Then reinstall using your preferred method.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Development Environment Setup

Organize your Scala projects in a dedicated workspace:

mkdir -p ~/scala-workspace
cd ~/scala-workspace

Use SBT for project management:

sbt new scala/scala-seed.g8

This creates a new Scala project with proper structure and build configuration.

Performance Optimization

JVM Memory Settings:
For large projects, configure JVM memory:

export SBT_OPTS="-Xmx2G -XX:+UseConcMarkSweepGC"

Compilation Performance:
Enable parallel compilation in SBT by adding to build.sbt:

ThisBuild / parallelExecution := true

Maintaining Your Scala Installation

Updating Scala

Coursier-based Updates:
Update all tools:

cs update

Package Manager Updates:
For APT installations:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade scala

Manual Installation Updates:
Download and install newer versions following the manual installation process.

Backup and Recovery

Configuration Backup:
Backup your shell configuration:

cp ~/.bashrc ~/.bashrc.backup
cp ~/.profile ~/.profile.backup

Project Environment Backup:
Create a backup script for your development environment:

#!/bin/bash
tar -czf scala-env-backup.tar.gz ~/.sbt ~/.scala ~/.local/share/coursier

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Scala. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Scala programming language on Linux Mint 22 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Scala website.