If you could choose just 3 books, which ones would you suggest?!

[Victor Maehira]

Good evening JavaRanchers!
I am collecting information about what to study for the SCEA 5 part I (CX-310-052).
I know that there are others threads about it, but it seems that there isn´t a conclusion or unanimity:

http://www.coderanch.com/t/429547/Architect-Certification-SCEA/certification/SCEA-Books-Study-guide
http://www.coderanch.com/t/423502/Architect-Certification-SCEA/certification/SCEA-beginners#1883275
http://www.coderanch.com/t/426985/Sun-Certification-Results/certification/Passed-SCEA-Part

I really intend to make it useful for others javaranchers considering that books are expensive!
If you could choose just 3 books, which ones would you suggest?!

I´ve already bought this one:
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software

Thanks in advance!

[Hong Anderson]

So you'll buy another 2 books.

I recommend EJB 3 In Action, and Domain-Driven Design. Although DDD is not relate to Java EE, but I strongly recommend you to read it, it would greatly help you to create good software architecture and design.

For other parts, you can find free resources on internet. For part I, it's a must to read Core J2EE patterns 2nd. ed., summarized version is available on web.

[Benoît de Chateauvieux]

Hi Victor,

I think I would recommend:
1- Head First Design Patterns (It doesn't cover every GOF Pattern but it's really fun and I remember every single example)
2- Core J2EE Patterns (A must for every J2EE architect... Some patterns may be deprecated with J2EE 5... or not ?)
3- Cade' Study Guide (Very good overview)

There is nothing about EJB in the list because, for me, the best resource is the specification.
And I think the web is full of good JSF presentations.
So, no need to buy a book.

Hope it helps,

Benoît

[Christian Suarez]

I would recommend:

- Core J2ee Patterns (Alur, Crupi, Malks)
- Design Patterns (Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides) or Insted Head First Design Patterns I think that it's more clear that the first one

Christian

[Blake Codd]

Christian Suarez wrote:I would recommend:

- Core J2ee Patterns (Alur, Crupi, Malks)
- Design Patterns (Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides) or Insted Head First Design Patterns I think that it's more clear that the first one

Christian

Design Patterns is of course an excellent source (the bible ;-) but maybe not perfect for implementation in Java and UML. Also it is costly. In addition to purchasing three books I would recommend that you use this gem of a book for GoF, short and precise and its also published under Creative Commons.
I think its an excellent heads on no fuss, but still educational.
http://www.dzone.com/links/gof_design_patterns_with_examples_using_java_and.html

/Blake the Jake