To pass the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform 1.4 exam (SCPJ2 1.4) you need this book. It is written for any experienced programmer (with or without previous knowledge of Java) interested in mastering the Java programming language and passing the SCPJ2 1.4 exam.

A Programmer's Guide to Java™ Certification, Second Edition, contains detailed coverage of all exam topics and objectives, helpful code examples, exercises, review questions, and several full practice exams. In addition, as a comprehensive primer to the Java programming language, this book is an invaluable reference tool for the reader.

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to focus on the latest version of the exam (CX-310-035). In particular, it contains more in-depth explanations of the syntax and usage of core language features that are now emphasized on the exam. The accompanying CD contains a version of the SCPJ2 1.4 Exam Simulator developed by Whizlabs Software, which includes several mock exams and simulates the exam-taking experience. The CD also contains the complete source code for all the examples, and solutions to the programming exercises.

What you will find in this book:
# Extensive coverage of all the objectives defined for the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform 1.4 exam
# Easy-to-follow structure with chapters organized according to the exam objectives as laid out by Sun Microsystems
# Summaries that clearly state and differentiate the exam objectives and the supplementary objectives to be covered in each chapter
# A list of Sun's objectives for the SCPJ2 1.4 exam, and a guide to taking the exam
# A complete mock exam with new questions (not repeats of review questions)
# A CD that includes several mock exams and a version of the SCJP 1.4 Exam Simulator by Whizlabs Software, which simulates the exam-taking experience
# Numerous exam-relevant review questions to test your understanding of each major topic, with annotated answers
# Programming exercises and solutions at the end of each chapter
# Copious code examples illustrating concepts where the code has been compiled and thoroughly tested on multiple platforms
# Program output demonstrating expected results from running the examples
# Extensive use of UML (Unified Modeling Language) for illustration purposes
# An introduction to basic terminology and concepts in object-oriented programming
# Advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in mastering the language and taking the exam
# Platform-independent coverage — platform-specific details are provided where relevant
# Information about the SCPJ2 Upgrade exam