A disappointing SCJD 124/155 - Passed!

[Sai Prasad]

All,
I got my score last night and I am disappointed with the score. I will explain my design and like to hear from you the possible reasons.
The maximum possible # of points is 155; the minimum to pass is 124. General Considerations(maximum = 58): 42 Documentation(maximum = 20): 15 GUI(maximum = 24): 16 Server(maximum = 53): 51
GUI:
I had about 13 classes in the suncertify.client package. I used JTabbedPanes to show the search panel and the flight details panel. I used a controller for each panel. I used a pop up dialog for the user to choose the mode. I didn't have the text field for the user to enter the db location but user can enter the db location as one of the configuration parameters. I used JMenu and JMenuItem(s). I gave hotkey functionality for every possible gui actions. I think I lost points in GUI may be because of,
1) I used a class with constants to store the database table column names and column indeces.
2) Didn't have bookFlights() method to do the lock/read/modify/unlock
Server:
Looks like they liked my server design which is based on the ConnectionFactory, Connection and LockManager. I had a LockManager and implemented the thread blocking in lock/unlock in Data. Also I implemented Unreferenced and a cleanup thread to remove unused locks after specific interval.
Used a server side GUI.
General Considerations:
Ouch...what went wrong? I had no idea.
Documentation:
I took almost 1/3 of the total time to do the documentation. I had a online help for the client user and server admin. I submitted a detail design document in HTML format. Every one of my methods and classes are documented.
I guess I don't really do well on certifications! But I can take the passing score
Thank you all for all the help and guidance.

[Rob Ross]

Well you did pass Sai, so congratulations.

[Mark Spritzler]

Congrats on passing Sai.
1 and 2 might explain points lost in general considerations, I don't think they affected GUI. When I think of GUI I just think of the Visual, not logic.
Good luck, and you passed, and keep helping others in the SCJD Forum.
Mark
[ May 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mark Spritzler ]

[Sai Prasad]

Thanks Mark. You have been very supportive. I will keep helping others in Developer forum.

[Matt Ghiold]

Congrats Sai! Don't beat yourself up, a pass is a pass.
-Matt

[Sri Addanki]

Hey Sai Prasad,
Even i'm disappointed seeing your score!
I was followign some of your posts....
Do you see where you went wrong?
But Then Don't worry...
You Passed!!! Congrats!!!

[John Smith]

Sai posted:

2) Didn't have bookFlights() method to do the lock/read/modify/unlock

Why not?
Perplexed,
Eugene Kononov.

[Jason Boutwell]

It could just be that you got a real hard-ass grader.
No two people grade the same, I'm sure.
One man's perfect GUI is another man's flawed design.
I wouldn't worry about it.
You passed. That's what matters.

[barry b]

Its a pass.
Your score for server design is high, which is one of the core aspects of the assignment.
At a guess, I'd suggest seeing that your score is let down by documentation and the gui, that the issue is probably visual presentation and document organization.

[Sai Prasad]

Below are my thoughts:
Reasons(may be) for losing points in general considerations:
1) Did expose the Data methods to the GUI controller instead of using bookFlights(), etc
2) Didn't create executable jar
3) Did hard code the column names and the indices in a class file
4) Did lock/unlock during local mode
Lost points in GUI:
1) Didn't use the JCOmboBox to show the origin and destination

That's all I can think of at this point.

[Sharada Karnati]

Congratulations!!! at least you passed,

Need little help...., I recently got my SCJP certification. Wanted to know
when can I register for SCJD assignment, the time
limit for assignment submission, and the topics I need
to concentrate.
I have basic working knowledge of Swing, Applets,
JDBC, Servlets, JSP, RMI, J2EE.....
should I wait until I master these concepts or go
ahead and register for programming assignment and
learn while doing the project.
Greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance.

[Mark Spritzler]

Hi Sharada , you can check out this post that has an SCJD FAQ.
You can find your answers there.
Good Luck
Mark

[Sai Prasad]

Sharada,
When I downloaded the assignment, I didn't know much about RMI and thread synchronization. I learnt a lot by doing the assignment. Since there is no time limit to submit the assignment, I suggest you pay now and download the assignment since you have some working knowledge in the relevant fields. That way you are forcing yourself to do something every day in your busy schedule!
You will learn more about RMI, synchronizing threads, Swing and OO design.