Hi! Not sure if this is the proper forum amongst all those available here. Anyway, I have some background in C programming and am starting my Java classes this week. There are just so many good Java books out there (I read those book reviews religiously). However, I'm on a tight budget so I'd like to lessen "misses" when purchasing these references. I quit work recently to fully concentrate on my schooling. I'd like advice on any recommendations for references (and practices) that would help me get a solid footing on learning Java. Congratulations to all successful examinees! I aim to join your elite circle one day soon. Thanks!
Jyotsna Clarkin
Ranch Hand
Joined: Jan 26, 2001
Posts: 158
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Hi Karen, Welcome to the Ranch! Well, I'd the say the Java In General (Beginner) forum would be the best to post your queries. As for good books - as you said there are several. Here are some available free on the internet The Java Tutorial from Sun.
[This message has been edited by Jyotsna Clarkin (edited July 23, 2001).]
Karen Michelle
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 23, 2001
Posts: 21
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Thanks for the warm welcome and the assistance, Jyotsna! I look forward to enjoying myself more around here. Regards! Karen
George Dee-Brown
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Joined: Mar 15, 2001
Posts: 35
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Karen, if you are planning on taking the SCJP2 exam the best book is "A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification" by Khalid A. Mughal & Rolf W. Rasmussen. I bought it as most postings on JavaRanch recommend it and because of the positive reviews on AMAZON.COM. I have many years programming experience using non-OO languages and have learned Java using this book. For the exam you do not need to read chapters 15,16,17 and 19. The author has a clear understanding of Java and does not "dumb down" anything. good luck, George P.S. make sure you get the latest revision as the one I have (I think the first print) has 43 pages of errata! ------------------
Richard Brown
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Joined: Jul 16, 2001
Posts: 79
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Dear Karen, Thinking in java is a nice book. Don't miss the mock exams at jchq.net. Also java certification study forum at this site is worth spending time. Plan your preparation and have confidence in yourself. All the best Richard
Rich Brown,<BR>You can always do it!!!
Karen Michelle
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 23, 2001
Posts: 21
posted
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Dear Richard and George, Thanks for the help! I'll need more for it as I go along. I do have Thinking in Java (just started reading it) and am just waiting for my copy of Mughal and Rasmussen's book. I'm really tempted to get Ivor Horton's, too with all the good reviews I've been reading about it. Regards!! Karen
Thomas Paul
mister krabs
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Joined: May 05, 2000
Posts: 13974
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Ivor's book is excellent. I use it in the course I teach at Hofstra University. ------------------ Tom - SCJP --- Co-Moderator of the Programmer Certification Forums
Much appreciated feedback, Thomas! I'm purchasing it later. Its not a cheap book so its very reassuring to read your personal endorsement. BTW, I've been lurking around here several times a day since I've registered. I must say that the folks here are the most helpful people around. Regards!! Karen
Jane Griscti
Ranch Hand
Joined: Aug 30, 2000
Posts: 3141
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Hi Karen, There are two great resources here on the Ranch: the Certification FAQ and Maha Anna's pages. Also check out the Certification Tutorial on Marcus Green's site. Bes of luck with your studies I'm going to move this thread over to the Certification Study forum as this forum is really for Certification Results.
------------------ Jane Griscti Sun Certified Programmer for the Java� 2 Platform
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Anyway, I have some background in C programming and am starting my Java classes this week. There are just so many good Java books out there (I read those book reviews religiously). However, I'm on a tight budget so I'd like to lessen "misses" when purchasing these references. I quit work recently to fully concentrate on my schooling. I'd like advice on any recommendations for references (and practices) that would help me get a solid footing on learning Java. 
