I am a
Java greenhorn.
After attending the Sun Java training course (1 full week of training administered by a local Sun training affiliate) and over 40 hours of studying the McGraw-Hill Study guide (still think it's excellent material), and a bit of overconfidence, I took my first stab at the
SCJA exam. I failed miserably!
Well, 62% is what I actually obtained.
I did not feel any despair though. I felt rather encouraged to take the exam again. I scheduled my next sitting for end of August.
I realized that a lot of material including the oh-so important UML section was not covered in the training class, nor did I find detailed explanations in the McGraw book.
After reading this forum, I found out about Cameron McKenzie's Study Guide release and heard nothing but praises about it. I prompted my boss to see if she could buy that book for me to deepen my knowledge (that's how cheap I am - she was actually impressed by the suggestion) and, not kidding you at all, she bought the book that I am currently reading.
I am still not through the entire book but I already feel like I'm soooo much more prepared for the exam retake.
Cameron, your book is terrific! I love how you approach the teaching of Java, mixing theory with applied examples and a good dose of humor (essential ingredient to keep me motivated).
I don't know yet whether I'll pass the exam or not but I feel that I am getting the gist of things much better now.
I will let you know my progress but for now, I just want to send a big shout out to Cameron for his exquisite teaching style. Cameron you got me hooked on Java. Thank you so much.
Hoping to make the hall of fame,
Alex