Using the Book :: Preface :: A programmer's guide to Java Certification :: Misc

Using the Book

The reader can choose a linear or a non-linear route through the book, depending on her programming background. Non-Java programmers wishing to migrate to Java can read Chapter 1, which provides a short introduction to object-oriented programming concepts, and the procedure for compiling and running Java applications. For those preparing for the SCPJ2 exam, the book has a separate appendix providing all the pertinent information on taking the exam.

The table of contents, listings of tables, examples, and figures, and a comprehensive index facilitate locating topics discussed in the book.

In particular, we draw attention to the following features of the book:

Exam and Supplementary Objectives

Exam objectives are stated clearly at the start of every chapter, together with any supplementary objectives.
The objectives are defined by Sun and are organized into major sections, detailing the curriculum for the exam.
The book is organized into chapters that logically follow the order of these major sections.
The objectives are reproduced in a separate appendix where, for each section of the syllabus, study notes are included to point the reader to topics essential for the exam.
We believe that the supplementary objectives are important to the ultimate goal of mastering the language.