Akka Streams and Pekko Streams (Scala)

Quick start

• Think twice before using Streams: prefer plain functions, even for I/O.
• Test stream components using TestSource, TestSink, and TestProbe from akka-stream-testkit.
• Always define supervision strategies for error handling; default behavior tears down the entire stream.
• Read references/akka-streams.md for core concepts and patterns.
• Read references/best-practices.md for critical guidance on when NOT to use streams.
• Read references/testing.md for comprehensive testing examples.

When NOT to use Streams

• Don't model plain data transformations as stream operators; use regular functions instead.
• Don't use streams for general I/O; prefer plain functions or other abstractions.

Workflow

1. Verify that Streams are the right tool: do you need dataflow or reactive programming patterns?
2. Design Source, Flow, and Sink components as separate, testable units.
3. Define error handling with recover, recoverWithRetries, or supervision strategies.
4. Test each component with TestSource/TestSink or TestProbe before integration.