# sbt

## About this Install Guide

| Reading time: | 10 min |
|---------------|--------|
| Last updated: | 22 Jun 2026 |
| Ecosystem dashboard: | [View](https://developer.arm.com/ecosystem-dashboard/linux?package=scala) |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

[sbt](https://www.scala-sbt.org/) is a popular build tool for Scala and Java projects.

`sbt` supports the Arm architecture is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

> **Note**  
> When the project was created, it was called *Simple Build Tool*, but quickly evolved to *sbt*. Some have incorrectly redefined it to *Scala Build Tool*, which does not reflect the fact that sbt works with Java-only projects.  
> It is now called *sbt* in all lowercase letters, which emphasizes the fact that it is not an acronym.

## What should I consider before installing sbt on Arm?

Before installing `sbt`, ensure you have Java installed on your system as `sbt` requires Java to run.

See the [Java install guide](/install-guides/java/) for more information.

Confirm you are using an Arm machine by running:

```bash
uname -m
```

The output should be:

```bash
__output__  
aarch64
```

If you see a different result, you are not using an Arm computer running 64-bit Linux.

## How do I install sbt for Ubuntu on Arm?

You can install `sbt` using the Ubuntu package manager.

First, you need to add the `sbt` repository:

```bash
sudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https curl -y  
echo "deb [trusted=yes] https://repo.scala-sbt.org/scalasbt/debian all main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/sbt.list  
curl -sL "https://keyserver.ubuntu.com/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x99E82A75642AC823" | sudo apt-key add
```

Next, install `sbt`:

```bash
sudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get install sbt -y
```

Run the `sbt` version command to confirm the `sbt` and Java installation:

```bash
sbt --version
```

The version command also confirms you have a working Java setup.

The version is printed and looks similar to:

```bash
__output__  
sbt version in this project: 1.10.7  
__output__  
sbt script version: 1.10.7
```

You are now ready to use `sbt`.