A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification: A Comprehensive Primer (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Khalid Mughal (Author), Rolf Rasmussen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201728281 | ISBN-13: 978-0201728286 | Publication Date: August 14, 2003 | Edition: 2

A new edition of this title is available, ISBN-10: 0321556054 ISBN-13: 9780321556059

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

To pass the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform 1.4 exam (SCPJ2 1.4) you need this book. It is written for any experienced programmer (with or without previous knowledge of Java) interested in mastering the Java programming language and passing the SCPJ2 1.4 exam.

A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification, Second Edition, contains detailed coverage of all exam topics and objectives, helpful code examples, exercises, review questions, and several full practice exams. In addition, as a comprehensive primer to the Java programming language, this book is an invaluable reference tool for the reader.

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to focus on the latest version of the exam (CX-310-035). In particular, it contains more in-depth explanations of the syntax and usage of core language features that are now emphasized on the exam. The accompanying CD contains a version of the SCPJ2 1.4 Exam Simulator developed by Whizlabs Software, which includes several mock exams and simulates the exam-taking experience. The CD also contains the complete source code for all the examples, and solutions to the programming exercises.

What you will find in this book:

Extensive coverage of all the objectives defined for the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform 1.4 exam

Easy-to-follow structure with chapters organized according to the exam objectives as laid out by Sun Microsystems

Summaries that clearly state and differentiate the exam objectives and the supplementary objectives to be covered in each chapter

A list of Sun's objectives for the SCPJ2 1.4 exam, and a guide to taking the exam

A complete mock exam with new questions (not repeats of review questions)

A CD that includes several mock exams and a version of the SCJP 1.4 Exam Simulator by Whizlabs Software, which simulates the exam-taking experience

Numerous exam-relevant review questions to test your understanding of each major topic, with annotated answers

Programming exercises and solutions at the end of each chapter

Copious code examples illustrating concepts where the code has been compiled and thoroughly tested on multiple platforms

Program output demonstrating expected results from running the examples

Extensive use of UML (Unified Modeling Language) for illustration purposes

An introduction to basic terminology and concepts in object-oriented programming

Advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in mastering the language and taking the exam

Platform-independent coverage--platform-specific details are provided where relevant

Information about the SCPJ2 Upgrade exam

0201728281B07152003

About the Author

Khalid A. Mughal is an associate professor at the Department of Informatics at the University of Bergen, Norway. During his extensive career, he has designed and implemented many courses on Java, object-oriented system development, and compiler techniques. He has also given seminars for the IT industry. He is the principal author of Java Som Forste Programmeringssprak (Java as a First Programming Language) published by Cappelen Akademisk Forlag, 2002.

Rolf W. Rasmussen is a system developer at Vizrt, a company that develops real-time graphics systems for TV, films, and the Web. Previously, he has worked on clean room implementations of the Java class libraries. He is coauthor, with Professor Mughal, of Java Som Forste Programmeringssprak.

0201728281AB07152003

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 2 edition (August 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201728281
• ISBN-13: 978-0201728286
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.8 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #977,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frustrating but all the better for it, October 8, 2003

By 

Patrick Thompson (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification: A Comprehensive Primer (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This is a VERY comprehensive book from which to study the SCJP exam. I have read both it and Kathy Sierra's books. They are different paths to the same goal. Where Kathy's is easier to read, Mughal goes to greater depth. Kathy's questions are easier, Mughals are generally more difficult and searching. He poses questions that are extremely subtle as times...hence being very frustrating...but then, they do make you better because you really have to read, think and reason a question out properly(A skill that I needed to develop...and one that reading this book has aided me in developing). A glance is typically not enough in the case of this book. But challenges either make us or break us and this book will challenge you (Do the practise exams on the CD and see what I mean!).

I have to admit, at times I resented this book...wanting to throw it with annoyance...but perserverance in times of frustration is what is needed. This book takes it to a deeper level than Kathy's...since she is teaching you just what you need for the exam. Mughal does this plus adds depth and scope so you are getting a more complete education in this area. Actually, I think both books do compliment each other in a way: Start with Kathy's, then read this. This will check how much you really know (just don't throw it at loved ones...:))

Only criticism: the UML diagrams are probably unnecessary since a SCJP exam is being studied for. WHile I appreciate their purpose (vale adding to your Java education), they do require effort to interpret that could be better spent elsewhere.

All concepts have coded examples, though for some of the questions you really have to read the text to find the answers...but this is a good thing (if you have the I'll-be-damned-if-this-is-going-to-beat-me gene...at lets face it, you'd better have it if you're gonna beat the SCJP exam).

So buy this is you want a thorough SCJP exam study guide and also a good Java language reference book that you can use after the exam. It has more reuse than the SIerra book in that respect I think (though Kathy's book does cover Developer exam, kind of). COnsider it a sublcassed version of the Sierra Book...:) (yes I know that joke was tragic...but, it works...kinda, sorta...:) Better to laugh than cry!)

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent study guide, excellent reference, October 13, 2004

By 

Thomas Paul (Plainview, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification: A Comprehensive Primer (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

If you are studying to become a Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform 1.4 this book will help you to receive not just a passing grade but an excellent understanding of the intricacies of the Java programming language. Mughal and Rasmussen aren't satisfied with simply giving you a minimal understanding of Java so that you can pass a test. They are interested in helping you to understand the language at a deeper level. After all, it is much easier to pass the certification exam when you actually understand the material rather than when you have simply memorized a lot of details.

I'll give you an example of the level of detail that the book covers. Section 5.2 of the book covers Selection statements. The section starts with a description of the if statement followed by an activity diagram which explains the flow of the statement. The authors then show a simple example followed by a clear explanation of the if statement. Then they do the same with if-else, this time using several examples. The same level of detail follows for the switch statement, again providing clear text, with a simple activity diagram, followed by several well explained examples. Finally, the section ends with several review questions. What this means is that this book can serve you well even after you have passed the certification exam. You will be hard pressed to find a better written reference.

The book covers all the information you need to pass the certification exam and covers the material needed to connect all the pieces together. The included CD has several mock exams with questions that will help you understand the type of questions that you will face on the actual exam. If you do well on the mock exams you will do well on the real thing. Overall, this is an excellent book for studying for the Java certification. But it is such a good reference that you will want to keep it nearby even after you have passed the certification.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a Java Certification guide, November 1, 2003

By 

Matthew K. Morgan (Ruther Glen, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification: A Comprehensive Primer (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

There are many books on the market dealing with the topic of Java Certification, and this is a newer entry in that popular field. From the title, A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification, one is led to believe that this book is for experienced developers who are looking to complete their knowledge of Java and go on to the next level of mastery. This book does achieve this goal, but it goes far beyond this objective and is worth much more than a simple study guide or reference manual.

In the preface of the book, the authors state that this book will not address graphics, as graphics topics are not part of the Sun Certification exam. Since this book is aimed squarely at helping the reader pass the certification exam, there is no need for topics dealing with graphics, and the authors make this very clear from the beginning. This is therefore the wrong book for you if you need AWT or Swing material.

Consistent with its implied goal of expanding the knowledge base of experienced developers, the book has deep discussion of the structure of Java applications, but the discussion is taken a step further. The authors use UML diagrams, starting as early on as page 3, to give a more graphical depiction of the relationships and structures they describe. This is very different from the other Java books I have seen and is a very strong reinforcement for the topic. Not only does the reader read about the topic, but the UML diagrams drive home the point so that the reader can *see* the relationships. The authors even explain in enough detail how to interpret the UML notation, so previous knowledge of UML is not a requirement. UML is not the focus of this book, so there is not an emphasis on it and there's no exhaustive tutorial on it, but it's enough to supplement their main topic -- Java.

Each chapter follows a logical format, beginning with a brief summary of the exam and chapter objectives, followed by one more sections of discussions with review questions for each section (some small sections do not have associated review questions following immediately). The chapters are concluded with a chapter summary and one or more programming exercises to reinforce the material. Answers to the questions, and solutions to the exercises, appear in an appendix towards the end of the book.

Appendices A, B and C describe the different certification exams and states which exam this book targets. They explain in general terms what is involved in taking the test, from registration to getting the certificate from Sun, as well as the objectives of the exams as determined by Sun. Pay close attention to Appendix C -- it draws special emphasis to topics that are highlighted on the platform upgrade exam and points the reader to relevant sections in the book.

The book includes a mock exam for certification as well, and the CD that comes with the book has additional mock exams. After digging through the book as well as taking the mock exams, the reader can expect to be very well prepared when taking the certification test.

This book might be written with the express purpose of taking the certification exam, but it serves other purposes as well. After the exam, this book will serve the reader well as a reference guide for Java, arguably one of the best reference guides at that. For non-Java developers (coming from C, C++ or another developmental language) it serves as a marvelous introduction to Java that will propel the reader to an excellent understanding of Java from go.

So, how does the actual content of the chapters stack up? I'll break this up into two paragraphs, because there's two different aspects I'd like to address. Many Java books are written in the typical 8th-grade English designed to be more "personal" and approachable. This book, however, uses more advanced grammar and vocabulary, being more in line with university reading levels. It gives the book a more "sophisticated" feel, and I personally like that.

As far as the actual material, the reader cannot read this book and come away without a good understanding of the subject. For example, Chapter 9 deals with threads. Another certification manual I have follows the topic of threads by giving a tidbit of information, followed by a blob of code, followed by the next subtopic. There is never a real discussion of threads. This book, however, explains the need for threads, how they work, how to create them in both manners, and gives supporting code to emphasize the material. In the middle of the discussion are UML diagrams, depicting relationships of the structures used. After the supporting code, there's a little more discussion, followed by a section for review questions. ONLY THEN does the book move to more advanced thread topics, instead of teasing the user.

A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification is an excellent preparatory work for taking the basic Java Certification exam, but it is much, much more. Readers can expect to come away with a thorough knowledge of Java fundamentals, as well as a basic understanding of UML and object relationships. After passing the exam, the reader will have a superb reference manual that will server him/her well. If you are wanting to take the exam, or even if you just want to learn Java, this book is the right place to start.