Learn Java or Scala first?

There is a common question type on Quora that asks whether you need to know Java in order to learn Scala. My experience tells me that it is not necessary. Indeed, I think it may actually be harmful to learn an imperative language (such as Java) first. Such languages are based on the Von Neumann model of computing (which was fine in its day): load-modify-store. But compute power today is so much greater than anything imaginable in the 1940s that a compiler doesn't need us to tell it how to solve a problem. We really only need to be able to describe our problem.

Rather than repeat my entire argument here, I will simply link to an answer I wrote for Quora on the question Should I need Java...?

Here also are some other Quora discussions relevant to this subject:

• Is Scala suitable as a first programming language?
• Is it worth learning...
• Is Scala difficult...?
• As a beginner...?

The consensus appears to be that it would perfectly appropriate, and generally beneficial, to learn Scala first, without having to know Java or, indeed, any other language. Learning Scala first will teach you how to think and describe your problem to the compiler. You shouldn't have to be thinking about the way the machine will ultimately implement your application.