If you are searching for books that are surprisingly easy to read, look through this list of the top 10 Java certification books for novice to expert Java programmers. Some of the topics listed in these books got me started in having a better understanding of the program, such as polymorphism, the basic purpose of the main method, objects, inheritance, creating a GUI Interface, and more.
These books have the capability of making material magically stick to your brain. It includes all sorts of examples and exercises, with a style, content, and flow that is amazing, so read on and find a book that is perfect for you!
The Top 10 Java Certification Books Programmers Love
1. Head First Java by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
If you are skeptical of the informal style of this Java certification book and that it wouldn’t provide enough in-depth material, then you are mistaken. Despite it being a technical book, it is surprisingly easy to read. It gets you back up to speed and writing code quickly. Its clear writing makes core concepts easy to understand, with plenty of visual aids and side projects to keep your keyboard and mind busy.
2. OCA Java SE 7 Programmer I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-803) (Oracle Press) by Edward Finegan and Robert Liguori
This Java certification book is a great study guide for the exam. It consists of many exercises, with great examples in each chapter to improve your skills and reinforce what you have just learned. This book is worth its costs! It has great links to solid resources for use in the field. It is also written in plain English for non-native speakers.
3. SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Exam 310-065 by Katherine Sierra and Bert Bates
If you want to discover what java is capable of doing and not doing, you must get this book. This Java certification book is well-organized and showcases the material in an in-depth and clear manner. It is a very easy read, with occasional funny jokes that make reading it even more entertaining.
4. Head First Servlets and JSP: Passing the Sun Certified Web Component Developer Exam by Bryan Basham, Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
The authors of Head First Servlets and JSP don’t take anything for granted. They explain every aspect just enough to let you in on what exactly happens with JSPs and Servlets, down to the last detail in a very clear and simple manner. Additionally, the humor you’ll meet in this Java certification book makes reading it even more satisfying.
5. OCP Java SE 6 Programmer Practice Exams (Exam 310-065) (Certification Press) by Bert Bates and Katherine Sierra
This Java certification book contains the necessary practices for the Java certification test. It contains many of the situations you’ll need to know as a java developer. An extremely useful book before taking the exam, the questions in the book appear tougher than the actual exam. The book handles every topic, as well as a number of programming exercises.
6. Head First EJB (Brain-Friendly Study Guides; Enterprise JavaBeans) by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
If you are still planning to take the EJB 2 exam, this is the book to buy. Step-by-step, it guides you towards overcoming the steep learning curve that EJB comes with and makes it easier to remember things. Finally someone who has thought of writing tech books in a fun way. This book allows you to have a strong understanding of the J2EE concepts.
7. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java EE Study Guide (2nd Edition) by Mark Cade and Humphrey Sheil
This is very much the Bible of the SCEA examination (now OCMJEA since Oracle purchased Sun). Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java EE Study Guide aids a lot when preparing for your Oracle Java Architect certification. It is very much a study guide. This compact Java certification book serves well readers who already have plenty of experience.
8. Oracle Fusion Developer Guide: Building Rich Internet Applications with Oracle ADF Business Components and Oracle ADF Faces (Oracle Press) by Frank Nimphius and Lynn Munsinger
Author Frank Nimphius is an expert in JDEV; he is an Ace on the Oracle Forums and runs a great blog. This book is an exceptional reference manual to get you on your way. As a well-rounded guide to Fusion development, it is essential for any ADF developer.
9. Java Network Programming, Third Edition by Elliotte Rusty Harold
This book will become your consistent go-to Java certification book. It introduces the networking concepts that are essential to properly comprehending Network Programming in Java. The author does an exemplary job at discussing other required concepts for network programming such as I/O Streams and threads.
10. Java Examples in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition by David Flanagan
This book contains a great overall summary of Java, including examples. It outstanding for the novice or intermediate developer/programmer. A java certification book filled with short programs that each illustrate particular concepts in the Java language, incuding Java 1.4 with practical examples. It is is divided into four parts, covering learning Java, desktop Java APIs, core Java APIs, and enterprise Java APIs.
This list of Java certification books I compiled contains a style that is easily digestible for even late nights, yet its content is very much relevant and detailed.
I would say that my learning experience of Java was made definitely more enjoyable if I had started with any of these books. How was your Java learning experience? Let me know through a comment below!