An excellent explanation on Scala Methods and Functions:
http://jim-mcbeath.blogspot.in/2009/05/scala-functions-vs-methods.html
Apparently, Methods in Scala are different from Functions. From what I understand, a method is similar to a method in Java – it takes input and produces an output. But a Function is an object. Also takes an input and produces an output, but is an object. Here’s how they’re different:
def f1(x:Int):Int = x*2 //Method that doubles input
def f2 = (x:Int)=>x*2 //Function that doubles input
//f1.toString //Cannot be done!
f2.toString //Is perfectly valid
For more details, I’d suggest you take a look at Jim McBeath’s explanation.