The market for software development is highly competitive and developers cannot afford to rest their good reputation. Getting certification from a market-recognized program is one way to prove skill and competence.

The Sun Certified Programmer for J2SE 1.4 examination covers the language basics of the Java platform. It is a performance-based certification for programmers and developers who are already familiar with the basic structure and syntax of the Java programming language, and who have a need to demonstrate advanced proficiency in developing complex, production-level applications using Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE). It measures the ability to design, write, and understand programs written in version 1.4 of the Java 2 Platform. The Java 2 Programmer Exam Cram book is designed to help programmers prepare for the exam. It is aimed at programmers with some experience with object-oriented programming and the core J2SE API.

The market for software development is highly competitive and developers cannot afford to rest their good reputation. Getting certification from a market-recognized program is one way to prove skill and competence.

The Sun Certified Programmer for J2SE 1.4 examination covers the language basics of the Java platform. It is a performance-based certification for programmers and developers who are already familiar with the basic structure and syntax of the Java programming language, and who have a need to demonstrate advanced proficiency in developing complex, production-level applications using Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE). It measures the ability to design, write, and understand programs written in version 1.4 of the Java 2 Platform. The Java 2 Programmer Exam Cram book is designed to help programmers prepare for the exam. It is aimed at programmers with some experience with object-oriented programming and the core J2SE API.

The authors of the book are all programmers and teachers who have had extensive experience working with Java. The CD that accompanies the book contains PrepLogic™ Practice Tests, a software application that allows the user to take a practice exam similar to the real one, and contains explanations of both correct and incorrect answers. The book features test-taking strategies, timesaving study tips, and a special Cram Sheet that includes tips, acronyms and memory joggers.

Peter Yeung, SDK strategic manager and development adviser at Ericsson, has read quite a few books for Java programmers and is always interested in advancing his own skills. He feels that this book is good for gaining an understanding of the principles behind the use of the basic J2SE APIs, and should be recommended reading for Java programmers who want to advance their Java skills to the exam level. Yeung says this is a book that should be read cover to cover with a particular focus on the APIs java.util.* and java.lang.*. The code examples are also important to practice. He liked the "tricky questions". "The questions in the book are little trickier than the real exam, requiring more thinking. The best part is that all the answers have good explanations for why they are correct," Yeung says.

The book is written in a no-nonsense and direct style, with each chapter and section guiding the reader to the key points quickly and with a minimum of digression. The authors make good use of call-outs for tips and alerts that notify the reader of potential pitfalls and confusions they may encounter when taking the exam.

Each chapter ends with a set of multiple-choice exam practice questions that have the correct answers explained in detail and an explanation of why the other answers are incorrect. In addition, there is a "Need to Know More?" section after the practice questions that direct the reader to a variety of books and websites that offer in-depth information on the topics covered in the preceding chapter.

Read more about Sun's Java certification program
The Java 2 Programmer Exam Cram book can be ordered from Amazon.com

By John Maxwell Hobbs