Todd Bahrs

Jeff,
Great minds think alike. I asked the same question on 4/21 and got the same response as you did. As far as I can tell the Whizlabs online training is not designed to teach java, but is to be used as a study course just before taking the SCJP. I haven't been able to find anyone on this site that appears to have taken the course.
Todd

Hello Simon,
I haven't decided yet. I was thinking that I would take it in May, but I started getting busy at work so I don't have as much study time. My motivation for completing it has fallen off a bit as well, I think it's time for a little vacation to recharge the batteries. My original motivation for completing the SCJP was to help me get from the East coast back to California and it's not looking as though thats going to happen any time soon, so the motivation is dropping.
Thanks
Todd

Thanks Simon,
How is the package that you purchased different from the free tests ?
I noticed that you got a great score using their product - congratulations.
Todd

Has anyone found any good online training that they would recomend ?
Does anyone have any experience with whizlabs online training ?
Thanks

Thanks Richard, I found a good explanation of static intializers on developer.com.
Todd

Hello,
Can someone explain why this static method is executed prior to the println
statements ? I don't understand how it gets called.
class Static {
static int b;
static int a = 3;
static void method(int x) {
System.out.println("x = " + x);
System.out.println("a = " + a);
System.out.println("b = " + b);
}
static { // how does this get called first ?
System.out.println("static block initialized");
b = a * 4;
}
public static void main(String args[]) {
method(42); // Calls the method 'method' and passes 42 to 'int x'.
}
}
Prints out:
static block initialized
x = 42
a = 3
b = 12
Thanks
Todd

Are there any other Mainframers out there trying to teach yourself Java ?
If so, what books, and websites have you found helpfull?
I have read Java for the cobol prgrammer, Murach's begining Java 2, and K& B book, but still don't feel that I'm ready to take the SCJP plunge.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd