Should I Download 1.4 now

[Mike Kelly]

Hi. I'm new to programming, have been studying for certification for about a year and a half using 1.3. I was wondering if I should now dowmload 1.4 and get used to that API. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Corey McGlone]

Well, you can alawys get used to the new API. Just remember that the exam is for Java 2 (Java 1.2), so anything that's new in 1.4 won't be on the exam.
Corey

[Mike Kelly]

Cool, thanks.

[Val Pecaoco]

Hi guys,
Corey, thanks for the info.
Mike, thanks for asking. I'm also set to ask the same question .
Ex Animo Java!
-- Val

[Val Pecaoco]

Err, since it is for JDK 1.2, how about JDK 1.3???
Ex Animo Java!
-- Val

[Rob Ross]

Newer versions of the JDK will add features and improve(hopefully) implementations of existing features. Rarely do features go away, although they may become deprecated.
There's no problem using jdk1.4 or 1.3 as your jdk for studying for the SCJP. The test objectives can be practiced on any of these development environments. Of course, 1.3 and 1.4 will provide extra classes and methods that are not covered on the test, but it does no harm in "accidentally" learning them! But if your goal is to prepare and study for the SCJP, just stick to the study guides and mock exams for that test, and you won't have any problems.