I thought I should briefly consolidate some questions about the SCBCD Exam Study Kit spread out over different topics, into one post here:
1. "I know
Java, but know nothing about
EJB. Can I start using this book without reading any other book on EJB first?"
This book does not assume that you have a prior knowledge of or experience with EJB. As far as EJB is concerned, it starts from scratch by introducing J2EE, and explains each concept as it appears. So, if you know basic Java, you can start with this book.
2. "Is this book authored only from the SCBCD exam perspective or does it provide an overall picture of EJB and the related stuff?"
Although the primary goal of the SCBCD Exam Study Kit is to help you pass the exam, the material is presented in a logical learning sequence. The book starts with an introduction to J2EE and an overview of EJB, and each concept is defined and explained as the reader encounters it. While keeping the focus on exam objectives, it shows how the topics covered by the exam are linked together, and how they fit into the big picture.
3. "What is the technical depth the book provides?"
It is a self contained body of knowledge about EJB that you need to understand to pass the exam. Because it is presented in a logical learning sequence (and there is no hopping from topic to topic) it does provide you the technical depth expected from a developer with the SCBCD certification. Of course, a book cannot be a substitute for a real industry experience to gain the technical depth; it can only play a role in helping you gain that depth.
4. "Does it have a demo to show how to deploy and execute a bean?"
Yes, Appendix A presents a step by step demo on how to set up the development environment on your machine and how to write, deploy, and execute a simple application. Other useful appendices are:
a) Intridcution to XML to help you understand deployment descriptors.
b) Exam Quick Prep.
c) Fully explained answers to the questions at the end of each chapter.
5. "Does the book has a Mock exam?"
Even better. The Whizlab SCBCD Exam simulator comes with the book. The book has
test questions at the end of each chapter which are answered with explanations in an appendix.
6. "Would the book be upgraded when the SCBCD exam based on EJB 3.0 is released?"
I have all the intentions to do that.
7. "Does the book has a website?"
Yes, the book has a website and from that site you can also access Author Online forum to discuss the topics in the book with other readers and to get help. The website is:
http://www.manning.com/sanghera Cheers.
Paul
[ July 29, 2005: Message edited by: Paul Sanghera ]
[ July 29, 2005: Message edited by: Paul Sanghera ]