is this book suitable for IBM 486?

[michelle Wang]

I'm plainning to take the IBM 486, my friend recommend this book:
"Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and the Unified Process (2nd Edition)"
this book detail
I wonder if this "Developing J2EE Applications with WebSphere Studio: IBM Certified
Enterprise Developer (IBM Certification Study Guides)" by Howard
Kushner
also a good study guide on this IBM 486 exam?
which book is more suitable?
[ February 04, 2004: Message edited by: Wang Jing Li ]

[Pradeep bhatt]

The book contains more info on SDLC and OOAD rather than UML.

[Ko Ko Naing]

You might want to have a look at the book description. You will see about the content of the book that the book is best suited for 287 exam... So for 486, I would suggest u to go with the book u specified, since that book is based on the UML and OO Concept, which is the main exam topic...

[Nicholas Cheung]

Hi Wang,
I used the following books for 486 preparation:
1. Applying UML and Patterns, Addison Wesley
2. UML distilled, 3rd edition, Addison Wesley
3. Unified Modeling Language User Guide, Addison Wesley
4. Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software, Addison Wesley
Hope this help.
Nick.

[Pradeep bhatt]

https://coderanch.com/t/144276/po/certification/Passed-IBM

[Axel Janssen]

Larman book is best for 486.
2nd most usefull is Fowler, UML distilled.
I've passed with 88% 4 weeks ago.
There is a good group with very usefull downloadable files in yahoo-groups, called ooad_meda f�r 486.
Kushners book is for 287 and should be usefull for some parts of 484 too.

[Ramon Gill]

I'm using the same study techniques as Axel. The Yahoo site he mentions has some good stuff. I hope to take the exam within the next month.
Ray
SCJP, SCWCD, SCBCD, SCEA (part 1), IBM-484

[Nicholas Cheung]

Hi Axel,
I also think Larman's book and Fowler's book are useful for the 486 test as many ppl suggest them, however, does what Pradeep mentioned is true?

The book contains more info on SDLC and OOAD rather than UML.

I just start to read the 2 books without a detailed read.
Any comments?
Nick.

[Axel Janssen]

Hi Nic,
the Larman book covers a lot of ground without going into deepest depth about single topic. This does not mean that its a shallow book. It is certainly not. It gives overview about good practices for OO-development. And this is more complex than UML. UML are just a few kinds of diagram types and some rules how to paint diagrams properly.
Larman covers the most important points about UML, which is enough when you start working with UML. I am working with people who paint worse UML-diagrams than me from a strictly UML perspective, but often they transport better design ideas.
Anyway this exam is not about UML2.0, but 1.x version of UML. UML 2.0 has lots of stuff which is usefull for leting UML diagraming tool generate code, but which might confuse starters (and people with some experience and 88% in 486 certi like me). Exam is not only about UML, but has broader focus: OOAD stuff, Rational Unified Process.
When using UML, its good to start with simple things. And UML is only the medium, with which to transport the OO design ideas. And those are more important.
A lot of people find reading Larman annoying and boring. Me not.
regards Axel
<out_of_topic>
p.s. 5 exams "in progress" might be something like a world records
Aren't you getting mad about it?
I am taking 3 in 5 month preparation period and with having experience in the topics --> 486, 484, 287. And I find it really hard. I fell asleep while watching my favourite football (soccer) team getting into semi-final.
</out_of_topic>

[Nicholas Cheung]

Hi Axel,
I totally agree with you. In general, no matter how people think UML is powerful, there are still ambigious in UML.
Even the same set of UML diagrams are shown to Programer A and B, they may come up with different sets of codes finally, just like documentations, different people may have different feeling on the same thing.
That's why some people suggest a new methodology (may not new now): Formal Method, which provides a strict specification on the results, however, it is very difficult to write for large system.
Basically, I also feel that understanding the whole system design processes is better than having indepth knowledge about the visualized specification.
<out_of_topic>
I have no choices to study 5 exams concurrently, becos the exam vouchers are going to be expired on the same period.
And studying for SCBCD is basically equals to study for 287 and 484, and thus, I try focus on SCBCD to gain enough knowledge for the IBMs.
Really hope that I can pass all of them.
</out_of_topic>
Nick.

[Juan Rolando Prieur-Reza]

Originally posted by Wang Jing Li:
...which book is more suitable?

Wang Jing Li,
Larman's book is definitely the most useful learning resource for the IBM486 OOAD certification. Many questions seem derived from this book, and this book's interpretation of many UML things. I also benefited from the UML Reference Manual book and wizlab's OOAD practice.
I would guess than any book that is not specific to UML is not the best way to learn it for the cert.

[michelle Wang]

thank all of you..got so many replies,
So think I will go to buy the Larman's book, sounds it's very useful for IBM 486. Only this book enough? I also want Fowler's book(as some of u suggested) ...but I dun have much money.(I'm still a poor student, haha )
Is there any free E-book about it? Thanks~~~~~~
jingli
[ February 04, 2004: Message edited by: Wang Jing Li ]
[ February 04, 2004: Message edited by: Wang Jing Li ]

[Nicholas Cheung]

Hi Wang,
You may 1st read Larman's book, and try the ICE sample test. If it is ok (pass), you are confident that you can pass the real one. If not, and you feel Larman's book is not enough, you may then consider Fowler's book.
Of course, for design stuffs, the more you read, the more you gain. But if "Vitamin M" is missing, then you can only trade one off, and Larman definitely be the 1st choice.
Nick.

[Howard Kushner]

Howdy Folks,
Personally I like Fowler's book ahead of Larman's, but that's just my two cents worth. I've always held to the idea that less is more.
Regards,

[Nicholas Cheung]

I forget to say, if you think of using Fowler's book for 486: UML distilled, please use the 2nd edition, as it is of UML v1.x.
If you use 3rd edition, it is about UML 2.0.
I dont know the main difference now (I remember v2.0 add new features and enhancement of class relationships), just a reminder.
Nick.