Hi Gayatri,
I have a similar situation as yours. I had an idea of object oriented programming because of C++ but no practical knowledge on the same. I however, started with Java complete reference first. I got interested with the subject and the decided to take SCJP as it would be beneficial at my work place. While studying for SCJP it seemed extremely difficult at first since if you are new to Java programming, the things (eg syntax , semantics etc) which one takes for granted when one programs, does not come naturally to you since you are a beginner in the language.
Thus, you need to write small programs on every concept you study. even if you feel, that the program is the simplest eg "Hello World" program. you need to write a code for that, so that the syntax becomes second nature to you. It will be time taking.. but if you intend to work on Java later, this effort is not going to waste and it is also not boring to study then... Practice only makes you think of more possiblities in which a code can behave. Dont expect this to be a time bound journey. Give yourself good enough time to get comfortable with this language. It is different I know for some, who are already working on the language and then appear for exams for perhaps just a certification. If you are new, and if you plan to study JAVA by yourself I can only suggest that you need to really become one with this language as it is a very conceptually based language.
I know, it will not be possible to start of with a new project at work, because perhaps you are giving the exam in the first place to extract work in JAVA.. so just keep practicing at home on your own. I use Kathy sierra and Bates, its a very good book. I am constant on this forum too... However, you might want to complete all the concepts first in the book before looking at some exam lab questions posted on the forum.. or else it might lead to panic attacks
Wish you good luck on your journey!
as it is needed in my job !!
