Head First Servlets and JSP: Passing the Sun Certified Web Component Developer Exam (SCWCD)

Head First Design Patterns

Head First Java, 2nd Edition

Core J2EE Patterns: Best Practices and Design Strategies, Second Edition

Java

Head First EJB (Brain-Friendly Study Guides; Enterprise JavaBeans)

Format: Paperback
Author: Kathy Sierra
ReleaseDate: 28 October, 2003
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Rating:

One of top two EJB books
With no offense to others, I have found the following two books most useful:

1. I have recently passed the SCBCD exam, and in preparing for the exam I have read a few EJB books cover to cover. This Book. Well, this is Head First right? I found some jargon on page one that was never explained. . . I really felt like drowning. However, if you already know some EJB, this could be a very good book for the EJB certification. The important points are made, and re-made. However, the humor confused me. Mr. O'reilly, the world has grown lot bigger than it used to be. . . it's no more limited from California to NY Island. . . so if you want to allow humor in your books, expand your horizons. . . just my two cents (or pennies). The other thing I did not like about this book that there are questions without answers.

2. SCBCD Exam Study Kit by Paul Sanghera, Manning Publications.
The beauty of this book is that it is 100% fcoussed on exam objectives, and yet does not let you feel that you are just preparing for an exam. This book is good for both advanced EJB developers and also for those who are beginners like I was when I picked this book. It takes you from the very beginning, explains every concept and term that comes on the way and tells you the EJB story in a very simple yet accurate way. All the concepts and topics are linked together, and you really get the big picture. So, this book is excellent for passing the exam, and also very good if you just want to learn the basics of EJB. Also a simulated exam comes with the book which was very helpful to prepare ggooor the exam. If somebody told me earlier about this book, I won't need another book for the exam.

But both of these books are good in their own ways. So I give 5 stars to both of them.
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Fun way to learn a very hard topic...
. Fun way to learn a very hard topic..

This book nicely explains the EJB technology. Any previous Java RMI programming will help to speed up the learning. Initially it may sound bit confusing but keep continue reading the book and things will get clear. If you are reading the book 2nd time you can skip most of the cartoon diagram and various character's question/thought and focus only on the `real stuff'/sample code/DD elements/Bullet Points to save time. If you can get a hold of an enterprise level ejb-jar. xml and some complete sample code of all the bean types that will help a lot to quickly grasp the technology.

I have to work a lot with EJB's in one of the fortunes top three most admired company (2006). I felt like knowledge gained from the book definitely helped. This book talks about efficiency such as avoiding remote calls in batch operation scenarios and recommends getting the work done from `Home', which is good. EJB Application can become horribly slow in Response if those areas are not paid attention.

I am not giving all the stars as in some areas author asks short questions but the answers are not provided! So initially when I was reading the book and coming across those questions I wasn't sure if my assumptions were right or wrong. But hey it's ok. . . may be I am just finding an excuse not to give all the stars!!

Tazim (TazimKhan@Gmail. com)
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Best book for exam
If you believe that exam covers 80% of what is needed to be successful as a real-life development, then this is probably the best book you can get your hands on for old EJBs. I got 100% on SCBCD exam and could not have done it without this book.

Same applies to the Head First Servlets and JSPs - simply the best book on the subject.

I have read other books and nothing came close, there is no comparison. These two Head first books are by far the best.