Beginner!!

[Priyadarshni Gopalakrishnan]

Hi ,

I am new to Java. Have C++ and OOPS conceptual knowledge and have done some programming.

How do I go about learning Java and specifically for SCJP cert?

How much time would I take for this?

[Anubhav Anand]

Priyadarshni Gopalakrishnan,
Welcome to JavaRanch.

As you say that you have knowledge of OOPS concepts, so they surely will assist you while learning Java. But, I'll like to tell you that there are considerable differences between Java and C++, so get rid of the C++ cover and give Java a fresh start.

There are a number of good books to begin with Java. "Head First Java by Bert Bates & Kathy Sierra" is a good one.

For SCJP certification Kathy and Bert have written a book as well.

But, my suggestion is that instead of rushing into certification first you should work hard to enrich your knowledge of Java.

Wish you luck..!!

[fred rosenberger]

if you're more interested in the SCJP certification, we have a forum dedicated to exactly that. I'll move this over there, where you will probably get a better response.

[Nevin kumar]

Better learn java first rather targeting the certification directly,Once you feel good about java then you can go for certification.Moreover what all you prepare initially that will certainly help you clearing the exam.

[Tina Ma]

These are some good books:

SCJP Sun certified programmer for Java 5 study guide : (exam 310-055) / Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates.

Java 2 programmer [electronic resource] / Bill Brogden, Marcus Green

There are numerous practice exams online for free. these are very very helpful for doing well in the exam.

[Sanket Modi]

hi Priyadarshni Gopalakrishnan,
if you are new to JAVA then i strongly recommend you "head first java- a learner's guide", by kathy sierra & bert bates, from o'reilly publication. this is the best book to learn java by own. and also you will learn fast. the teching technique is best in this book. go for latest one. includes java 5- tiger.
happy reading.

[Priyadarshni Gopalakrishnan]

Hi Anubhav,Fred,Naveen,Srirupa and Sanket !!

Thanks so much to you all...

I was totally at sea with this..

I am a bit out of touch with OOP languages now as I have been working on mainframes platform..that too production support for 2 years and now am looking to switch platforms..

Tats why I was so particular about the certification..Will be needing help from you every now and then...Thank U once more!!

[Priyadarshni Gopalakrishnan]

And especially thanks to Fred for directing me to the right forum and sure will chip in for your friend's Brest cancer initiative!!