Programmer Certification

[Mwalie Ab]

Hello Gentlemen,
Recently, I posted here my first line and a very good colleague responded saying that in three months, I can achieve quite some significant knowledge in Java, beginning from zero as it is.
I really appreciated that.
Now, I am beginning to really understand objects. After that, I believe the code will be okay to follow. Object oriented programming seems very interesting, especially Java.
I am sure I will have so many questions to ask here. Please, bear with me. My goal is to become a SCJP and IBM Certified Developer - XML, before the end of this year.
Thanks.
Mwalie

[Corey McGlone]

Best of luck to you Mwalie. We'll be happy to help you out on your way to certification. Don't forget, though, that being certified isn't necessarily the Holy Grail of Java programming. It's one thing to be certified, it's entirely another to be a good programmer. Being a good programmer often makes becoming certified much easier, but not necessarily the other way around.
I guess, what I'm trying to say is that don't focus so much on the exam that you are blind to good programming practices. While you're studying, I'd recommend frequenting some of the other forums, such as the Java in General (Beginner), the Java in General (Intermediate), and the OO, Patterns, UML and Refactoring forums.
There is some really great information that goes through those forums.
Anyway, best of luck to you! We'll be here if you need us.
Corey