Do we need to read the Java Language Specification

[Jui Mahajan]

Do we have to read the java language Specification, it is very exhaustive, but very informative. I found a lot of questions on Dan's exam which I could answer only after reading the JLS. But reading the JLS is very time consuming. I have gone through Khalid Mughal's book and now I feel I still dont know a lot of concepts after going through Dan's exams.
So, what is the best book to study, because I dont want to miss anything on the test

[bennido kool kat]

I feel the same too. I went thru' Kathy's book, took some mock exams and thought I was pretty ready. Then I started taking Dan's exams and boy were they tough !
Is the real exam as tough as Dan's ??

[Marlene Miller]

People who have taken the SCJP exam sometimes post some comments on the Java Ranch Sun Certification Results forum. They often say what books they studied, what mock exams they used, what study techniques were effective. Many people have something to say about the Sierra-Bates book and Dan's exams. I suggest you read a whole lot of the posts to get a good sampling.
[ July 09, 2003: Message edited by: Marlene Miller ]

[Bert Bates]

Here's my two cents, and I think Dan would agree...
and... we're always looking for feedback!
I think the mocks in our book are very close to the real exam. If you get 80% on ours, I predict you'll get 78% on Sun's. (Let us know!)
I also think, based on LOTS of user feedback, that if you get 70% on Dan's, you'll get 80-85% on the real exam. Dan's are MUCH tougher!
So in summary, Dan's will toughen you up, and ours should give you a good estimate.
once again, let us know!
Good luck!
-Bert

[greg norman]

I agree with all you guys. After went through the Sierra-Bates' book twice, I took the exercise questions in each chapter and got around 80%. I also picked 3 of the Dan's, but only scored about 35%. In addition, I completed the Marcus's with 46/60.
BTW, does the SCJP exam focus on the concepts more than the details, for example the APIs?
[ July 09, 2003: Message edited by: greg norman ]