Scala implicit conversion

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Implicit conversion in scala

implicit conversion is often helpful for working with two bodies of software that were developed without each other in mind.
implicit conversion reduces the number of explicit conversions that are needed from one type to another. implicit definitions can be inserted into a program by a compiler in order to fix any of its type error.

Rules for implicits:

  • Only definitions that are marked implicit are available to the compiler.
  • Scala compiler will only consider implicit conversions that are in scope. Therefore, you have to make implicit conversion in scope as a single identifier. Exception: the compiler will also look for implicit definitions in the companion object of the source or expected target types.
  • Only one implicit is tried for a variable.
  • Compiler will not change code that already works.Thus, you can always replace implicit identifiers by explicit ones.
  • Conversion of the receiver: adapt the object on which a method is invoked.