Learn the syntax, data types, and operations essential for programming in Scala

Become a Scala Developer

In this module, we will learn Scala from the ground up. This module aims to teach us how to write basic programs, assuming we have no prior knowledge of the language. We will start with a brief introduction to Scala to understand its functionality and applications. We will then move discuss the key features and functions of the language (data types, functions, classes, etc.) in detail. In the end, we will have all the basic knowledge of how to program in Scala.

Learn Scala from Scratch

## `ChecksumAccumulator`

To understand the concepts of the next lesson, we will be using Martin Ordersky's (inventor of Scala) `ChecksumAccumulator` program. Before we move on, let's briefly go over checksum.

### Checksum 

A checksum is a string of characters consisting of numbers and letters. It acts as a fingerprint for files and messages and is used to ensure the file or message you have received is genuine and error free. To do so, you create a checksum of the file you have received and compare it to the checksum of the source file. Even the most minor of changes will result in a completely different checksum.

>For the scope of this course, we will be generating a checksum of a string.

### The `ChecksumAccumulator` Class

The `ChecksumAccumulator` class has a single private field value `sum`, which is initialized to **0**. It further has two methods, namely `add`, which is adding the bytes of a string, and `checksum` which is calculating the final checksum. `checksum` first uses the bitwise operator `&` with the final sum and the hexadecimal `0xFF`. It then takes the result of the `&` operator and applies another bitwise operator to it `~`. Finally, it adds a **1** to the result of the `~` operator, resulting in the final checksum value.





# `ChecksumAccumulator`

To understand the concepts of the next lesson, we will be using Martin Ordersky's (inventor of Scala) `ChecksumAccumulator` program. Before we move on, let's briefly go over checksum.

## Checksum 

A checksum is a string of characters consisting of numbers and letters. It acts as a fingerprint for files and messages and is used to ensure the file or message you have received is genuine and error free. To do so, you create a checksum of the file you have received and compare it to the checksum of the source file. Even the most minor of changes will result in a completely different checksum.

>For the scope of this course, we will be generating a checksum of a string.

## The `ChecksumAccumulator` Class

The `ChecksumAccumulator` class has a single private field value `sum`, which is initialized to **0**. It further has two methods, namely `add`, which is adding the bytes of a string, and `checksum` which is calculating the final checksum. `checksum` first uses the bitwise operator `&` with the final sum and the hexadecimal `0xFF`. It then takes the result of the `&` operator and applies another bitwise operator to it `~`. Finally, it adds a **1** to the result of the `~` operator, resulting in the final checksum value.





In this lesson, you will learn how to generate the checksum of a string. 

Getting to Know Scala

Variables and Types

Operating with Operators

Strings and How to Use Them

Scala's Collection Library

Control Structures

Getting Started with Functions

Higher-Order Functions

Classes and Objects

Conclusion

Learning by Example: checksum

`ChecksumAccumulator`

Checksum