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Functional Programming, Simplified: (Scala edition)
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“Functional Programming, Simplified (Scala edition),” makes the process of learning functional programming (FP) in Scala as simple as possible by breaking down complex topics into small, bite-size chunks that are easy to understand. The lessons are presented in a logical sequence — the order in which the author learned them — culminating in advanced topics like functional
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Kindle Edition, 780 pages
Published
October 17th 2017
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Start your review of Functional Programming, Simplified: (Scala edition)

Fantastic resource for those who are terrified of monads and functors yet know basics of Scala and functional programming.
Alvin Alexander is an incredible author who believes learning functional programming doesn't have to be a pain. The book is written in a very simple language, reading it is nearly like chatting to a really good friend. I giggled at some of the puns! Also - there is memes, it makes reading this book a pure pleasure. I in fact did read the first 10 chapters or so sipping my tea ...more
Alvin Alexander is an incredible author who believes learning functional programming doesn't have to be a pain. The book is written in a very simple language, reading it is nearly like chatting to a really good friend. I giggled at some of the puns! Also - there is memes, it makes reading this book a pure pleasure. I in fact did read the first 10 chapters or so sipping my tea ...more

Most enjoyable book I’ve read by far. Simple, intuitive and very detailed, FP Simplified (Scala ed) covers everything you’d ever ask about Functional Programming paradigm. The author guides the reader through concepts in a way the reader will get the point. Then, he names the concept explained how it’s known as.
I don’t recommend this book for people who don’t know Scala, though. I’d suggest to read some of Scala lang before read this one.
I don’t recommend this book for people who don’t know Scala, though. I’d suggest to read some of Scala lang before read this one.

One of best books I've ever seen for the newcomers in FP
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This book explains the main concepts that are needed to understand Functional programming in Scala. I recommend it to beginning Scala programmers who want to learn about functional programming.
Pros:
Covers the basics of functional programming (Scala) very well.
Small, easy to follow lessons.
There are lots of code examples, even more given on the author’s github pages.
Monad chapters are good for learning their basic usage.
Cons:
Sometimes I felt more like I am reading a blog post rather than a boo ...more
Pros:
Covers the basics of functional programming (Scala) very well.
Small, easy to follow lessons.
There are lots of code examples, even more given on the author’s github pages.
Monad chapters are good for learning their basic usage.
Cons:
Sometimes I felt more like I am reading a blog post rather than a boo ...more

Finally, a book that teaches functional programming in an easy and approachable manner. Such sources are very rare. The author went through a lot of books and articles and put together a single resource for us - mortals - to learn functional programming properly. He explains FP-related vocabulary that sounds intimidating when you first encounter it (especially if you have no extensive math or FP background). Every basic aspect of functional programming is dissected, described and shown in multip
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Technical content: 4 stars (except the small part about Spark). After reading it I feel I have a better grasp of functional programming concepts and where to go from there.
Style: 2 stars. 900 pages and 130 chapters (without the appendices) for what feels more like reading 130 blog posts copy-pasted in a book, or a draft of a book. The author preaches the DRY principle but should consider applying it to this book. For example: the “update as you copy” pattern, which is rather simple, is introduce ...more
Style: 2 stars. 900 pages and 130 chapters (without the appendices) for what feels more like reading 130 blog posts copy-pasted in a book, or a draft of a book. The author preaches the DRY principle but should consider applying it to this book. For example: the “update as you copy” pattern, which is rather simple, is introduce ...more

This blog-like book is possibly the gentlest introduction to functional programming ever. Note: it's really for absolute beginners to functional programming. That said, I liked Alvin Alexander's approach to introduce FP from the point of view of experienced (and sceptical) procedural/object-oriented programmer. Gradually, FP concepts are introduced, their downsides pointed out and remedies offered. This way the reader learns not only how, but also why various FP strategies look the way they are.
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There are many very fine books on learning Scala FP, but this one definitely stands out. It almost reads like a novel. You start with some simple premise and while turning the pages all the advanced functional programming concepts come along without ever scaring you. There are sections on immutability, recursion, monads, for comprehensions, handling state and pure functions, concurrency and above all a very very very instructive part about program organisation (where to put your pure functions)
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Quite a fine book. It's clear that Alvin has a mountain of knowledge on the topic. However, to put it short, it's far too long and surprisingly not in-depth enough. It explains what monads and functors are in too much of a "practical" way that it makes it not very easy to generalize these abstractions to anything other than scala. It's a great book to get started with functional programming, but please, make sure it won't be your last or you'll remain with a very limited overview of what functio
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A very good explanation of Functional Programming, the books cite and compare so many sources. But most parts of books explain Scala FP features, so if you want to implement the concept using other languages than Scala and you have experience with Scala you can to skip a lot of chapters.
This book also good if you want to know more about Functional Features in Scala.
I hope someday Alvin Alexander will write this book using other Language than Scala such as Kotlin.
This book also good if you want to know more about Functional Features in Scala.
I hope someday Alvin Alexander will write this book using other Language than Scala such as Kotlin.

Good read. The explanations of concepts are clear and well written.
Keep in mind is this for people who really are brand new to functional concepts. If you have had any prior exposure to FP, you've probably already covered most of the book.
I would also echo one of the criticisms in previous reviews. The contents could have been greatly condensed and simplified. The book should really be half the size. ...more
Keep in mind is this for people who really are brand new to functional concepts. If you have had any prior exposure to FP, you've probably already covered most of the book.
I would also echo one of the criticisms in previous reviews. The contents could have been greatly condensed and simplified. The book should really be half the size. ...more
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