roadmap to understanding J2EE

[Jayadev Pulaparty]

Can someone please tell me how to get an understanding of the J2EE architecture. I have the following certs - SCJP2, IBM's XML and UML. I have access to Websphere AppServer. How can i learn this stuff starting with simple examples and then slowly getting my feet wet in J2EE patterns and all that good stuff.
Any help is appreciated.

[Andres Gonzalez]

How can i learn this stuff starting with simple examples and then slowly getting my feet wet in J2EE patterns and all that good stuff.

You said it yourself. I'd start by doing the famous EJB Hello World example, and see how it goes.
I remember using this tutorial, and it really helped. I think the best way to get started is by having a book and doing all the examples that come with it. here's a good book (free pdf).
[ August 31, 2003: Message edited by: Andres Gonzalez ]

[Faisal Khan]

I was in a similar position last week, thinking of learning EJB but then few people on this forum mentioned that MOST applications have no need for EJBs and that kind of switched me off.
I know our current app at work does not need it but can someone advice whether I should learn it in my own time anyway.

[Andres Gonzalez]

Originally posted by Faisal Khan:
I know our current app at work does not need it but can someone advice whether I should learn it in my own time anyway.

well, learning new stuff don't hurt anyone . You keep up to date with technology and IT knowledge. We never know what's gonna happen in the future; maybe EJB dies or gets more popular (I know it will with EJB 3.0), so we better be prepared for anything.

[Jayadev Pulaparty]

Thanks everyone.

[Jayadev Pulaparty]

Andres,
I'm looking forward not to get into coding EJBs or something of that sort to start with. I want to first understand the big picture of the architecture, where the bits and pieces fit in. I have access to WebsphereAppServer. Are there any good free resources on the web for absolute beginners in J2EE that talks about the layout of the architecture with some good pictures.
Thanks.