Self-Assessment

Of the more than two million Java programmers, the majority started by downloading the Java Software Development Kit (J2SE 1.4 SDK) and teaching themselves how to program in Java. This method sounds like a humble beginning, but has proved to be a valid way to start learning a new language.

To verify programmers' Java skills, Sun (who wants developers to properly represent Sun) and employers have driven the certification industry. The Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD) is another significant step in proving your Java ability. Unlike the Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) and the Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) certifications, the SCJD requires that you develop an application that meets an assignment's list of requirements. Frankly, this certification is hard to pass. Even though I was careful, I found a bug in my client after submitting my project, so I suspect the evaluator did, too. Still, the extra care contributed to my score of 94%.

For the SCJD certification, you can't cram overnight and then take an easy multiple-choice exam. It takes two to four months to develop a solution and then take an essay exam. There just isn't a shortcut, such as a mock exam, to ease the pain. However, this book is packed with hints, examples, and plans to make your experience positive instead of dreadful.

Before you pay Sun $400 (currently, it costs $250 for the assignment and $150 for the essay exam) to attempt the solution, make sure you are ready. You need to be familiar with J2SE 1.4 and must have passed the programmer certification. This certification is not dependent on the Web component developer or the architect certifications.