is this, a good book ??? (sybex)

[Leandro Oliveira]

I'm reading java 2: web developer certification study guide. Have anyone read this book??? do you think it's a good book???

Thanks, in advance.

[Jessica Sant]

Leandro-
I haven't read this one... but just from looking at the reviews on Amazon I personally wouldn't buy this book. Looks like the errors are pretty blatant (a few are mentioned in the amazon reviews). And the official errata is just pathetic -- one error? yeah right.
I highly recommend Manning's SCWCD Exam Study Kit. You can check out my review in the Bunkhouse.
[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Jessica Sant ]

[Leandro Oliveira]

what do you think about reading servlets specification and jsp specification??? would this help???

[Jessica Sant]

it would definitely help -- no matter which book you choose, you should have a copy of the specs near you -- just to help clarify a point or to understand a topic better. And make sure you try out a bunch of code snippets on your own. If you SEE something happen, it'll help you remember it more.
I would still be skeptical about using the Sybex book -- even if you combine it with the spec. If the errors are as bad as the Amazon reviews say you're going to be second guessing every third statement in the book.
[ April 17, 2003: Message edited by: Jessica Sant ]

[Leandro Oliveira]

thanks for all the help!!! I'm gonna think more about sybex, but surely I'm gonna read the specifcations (I really like it).

Thanks

[Matt Cao]

Hi,
Sybex's books are good if English is not primary language. I would not trust Amazon's words neither, case in point: Amazon's review criticized Java Cookbook left and right. I studied it in the book store, Barnes & Noble over a good cup of coffee. It turned out the review bloke did not read the book thoroughly. Remembered in our grade school, teachers alway said read the chapter at least three times before you attemp to move on to the next.
Thanks,
MCao