How does Scala support functional programming?

Scala is a powerful programming language that offers robust support for functional programming paradigms. Here are some key features that highlight how Scala facilitates functional programming:

1. First-class functions: In Scala, functions are treated as first-class citizens, meaning they can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, and returned from other functions.
2. Immutable data structures: Scala encourages the use of immutable data structures, which helps in writing pure functions that do not change state.
3. Pattern matching: Scala provides powerful pattern matching capabilities, making it easier to write declarative and concise code.
4. High-order functions: Scala supports high-order functions, allowing functions to take other functions as arguments or return functions as results.
5. Recursion: Scala supports recursion, a key feature of functional programming, enabling the creation of elegant and efficient code.

Overall, Scala's rich set of features and functional programming support make it a popular choice for developers looking to write robust, scalable, and maintainable code.