Study Guide Clarification..

[John Bateman]

Hi
I'm biting the bullet and doing the SCJP Exam to get on the road to my Web and Architect Certs.
But, I purchased my Study books awhile ago and I was wondering if they are still valid.
I have the following.
1- Programmer's Guide to Java Certification (Mughsl snf Rasmussen) I bleieve it's the first edition. There's actually a blurb on the cover saying "Covers the Java 2 platform". This tells me it may be 'dated'.
2- Java 2 - Exam Prep (Brogden and Green) As an aside.. hey I know those names hehe.. This one is the Second Edition.
3- Java 2 - Exam Cram by Brodgen (1st Edition).
All feedback is welcome..
Thanks.

[luco zhao]

I don't think we need any books for SCJP, this forum is enough for our preparations after you spend some time on reading/answering so many confused questions from all friends here. Any comments?

[Jessica Sant]

Originally posted by luco zhao:
I don't think we need any books for SCJP, this forum is enough for our preparations after you spend some time on reading/answering so many confused questions from all friends here. Any comments?

I disagree -- this forum is an excellent resource -- but I don't think it should be your sole source of information. I'm using A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification. It, like any good certification book, will walk you through each section that is covered by the exam -- testing you with questions along the way -- if you have questions on particular topics you can post here... I think just reading through the forum would be too chaotic -- jumping from topic to topic never getting a complete view of the ENTIRE subject.

[John Bateman]

jumping from topic to topic never getting a complete view of the ENTIRE subject.[/QB]

Hehe..
I agree totally. A Book is a good structured trip through the various language issues.
I also think you'll notice from my profile I've been hangin out on the Ranch for awhile, I have the saddle sores to prove it, and won't be too shy to post my questions here.
I was more concerned that the cert books I have being complete and up to date. I did talk to a Sun rep this morning and they said that their exam covers JDK 1.2 only. They are in the works for making a JDK 1.4 cert that will be 'released' soon.
Personally I'm not too worried about passing, I've been doing Java for over 3 years, but, I have no AWT/Swing experience and was wondering if I had up to date info.
Apparrantly my books are still 'good'.

[John Bateman]

I'm using A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification. It, like any good certification book, will walk you through each section that is covered by the exam

Another comment..
This book is the king, I use it as a resource for all my junior programmers and not just for certification study.
"What's the point of Abstract vs Interface".
<me> "Read this" (throws the 'Programmers Guide' at the noob)