Install Scala on Windows 10

Requirements

• Windows 10.
• A JDK, version 8 or later. Install it first and check with java -version.

Step 1: Download Scala

Open the Scala website (scala-lang.org), go to Download and get the Windows package (a zip file with the binaries, or the installer).

Step 2: Extract Scala

Extract the zip file to a folder such as C:\scala.

Step 3: Set the environment variables

1. Search for environment variables in the Start menu and open Edit the system environment variables. Click Environment Variables.

   

2. Under System variables, create SCALA_HOME with the value C:\scala (the folder you extracted).
3. Select Path, click Edit, click New and add %SCALA_HOME%\bin.

   

4. Click OK in all windows.

Step 4: Check the install

Open a new Command Prompt:

scala

The Scala interactive shell (REPL) opens. Leave it with :quit. Recent Scala 3 downloads use scala and scalac commands; older ones may need scala -version to check.

Basic use

Try these in the shell:

println("Hello, World!")

Values and variables:

val name = "Bob"
var age = 15

A function:

def greet(name: String): String = {
  s"Hello, $name!"
}

Common problems

1. Java not found. Install a JDK and check that JAVA_HOME and the Path are right.
2. Environment variable errors. Check that the Scala bin folder is in the Path, and open a new window.
3. Incompatible Scala version. Use a Scala version that matches your JDK.

Tips

• Use a package manager such as Chocolatey or Scoop to install and update Scala.
• Use an IDE such as IntelliJ IDEA (with the Scala plugin) or VS Code (with Metals).
• Use sbt to build bigger projects.

Quick recap

• Install a JDK, extract Scala and set SCALA_HOME and the Path.
• Run scala to start the shell.
• Use sbt for projects.