Write out a short list (no pun intended) of the minimum and maximum values for byte, short, and int and memorize it. I've memorized them simply from reading and typing them over the last 20 years, but even still I only know the maximum int to a few decimal places (2.147 billion something).
My apologies if this offends anyone, but this is one of the reasons I've never valued certification tests all that highly. I've met too many SCJPs that can barely code themselves out of a paper bag, yet they can quote JLS rules 'til they're blue in the face. And yes, I understand that it is very difficult to design tests for thousands of people to take world-wide without falling back on memorization as a key component. *sigh*
I just wish I could take the
SCJD without taking the
SCJP first. I know, skip dinner and go right for dessert, naughty boy!
[ March 08, 2005: Message edited by: David Harkness ]