Reply to: Sun Certification

[Cowboy Bob]

For some reason, most people I interview think that the object itself (not the reference) is passed by value

In which case, ask them to explain how Collections.sort works.

[bobhope]

Yep. Everything in Java is passed by value. With objects you pass the pointer by value.

For some reason, most people I interview think that the object itself (not the reference) is passed by value (i.e. they think they are then working on a copy of the object)

Come to think of it, quite a few devs don't even know the terms call by value, etc.

[swamp]

Do the SCJP.

It's a useful exam, it will look good on your CV, and it will help you pass technical tests.

I wouldn't bother with SCWCD or SCBCD etc. I've done them and they are just pointless memory exercises.

[Cowboy Bob]

<google_shield_on>
I think that all are passed in by value. Primitives are passed in by value and Objects are not passed in , only references to them which strictly speaking would be a value.
</google_shield_on>

Do I get the boot or the contract now?

Yep. Everything in Java is passed by value. With objects you pass the pointer by value.

[WKnight]

An old argument

I don't know if it still stands up to close scrutiny (if it ever did) but this was my opinion a few years back...


Article about certification

[basshead]

I've got the programmer cert that I did last yr because I'd bought the exam voucher and had to use it up, but haven't so far gone for any more. Next time I'm working away I plan on doing web dev and architect certs to pass the time. Some places might be impressed but generally ppl are looking for experience in particular areas rather than a cert to say u know 'something about Java'.

I've never had an interview for a contracting role so never really been asked about it

(its not what u know, its who u know )

[milanbenes]

all you need for coding is:

CTRL C

and

CTRL V

and keep _tweaking_ it until it does something like
what is being asked for

Milan.

[sunnysan]

No Google

<google_shield_on>
I think that all are passed in by value. Primitives are passed in by value and Objects are not passed in , only references to them which strictly speaking would be a value.
</google_shield_on>

Do I get the boot or the contract now?

[milanbenes]

bob I guess if you interviewed me I wouldn't get hired

MB certified blagger with solid rapid application development
experience

[bobhope]

Damn, I have to agree with both Sasguru and Francko.

It's worth doing just for yourself, you do learn a lot and have many moments where you go "ahah". I would also say without study you're unlikely to pass.


Plus you get the little badge and certificate and the logo that you can put on your CV (which looks flash)

Finally, I have met/interviewed so many developers that don't seem to even understand the fundamentals you wonder how they've managed to survive for so long.

For example, I'd say that only about a quarter of java devs know if method parameters are call by reference or call by value in java - it's one of my favourite interview questions.

[sunnysan]

Mcse

I did MCSE way back when and I must say owing to the structure of the certification all you needed to do was learn transcenders and you could pass and know sweet FA about M$ network admin.

Are the Java certs like that too?

[Francko]

I was looking at the some of the questions for Java Programmers and they are actually quite well set as you really do need to know the nitty gritty and the finer points of the language ie Rule of promotion for ternary operators.

Its not going to make you a good developer if you are sh1te but it appears it will improve the code of an already competent developer.

I agree. Java programmer is a good one. And so is the architect too. Surely it doesn't make you an architect if you don't have a long experience but it sets a good standard approach. Same for Solaris, MQ and WebSphere ones. I instead was very disappointed by the Microsoft ones, they are just useful to force you to buy mock exams (and that's the only way you would pass the MS exams).

[sasguru]

Its not going to make you a good developer if you are sh1te but it appears it will improve the code of an already competent developer.

Yes exactly.

[sunnysan]

Franko

I was looking at the some of the questions for Java Programmers and they are actually quite well set as you really do need to know the nitty gritty and the finer points of the language ie Rule of promotion for ternary operators.

Its not going to make you a good developer if you are sh1te but it appears it will improve the code of an already competent developer.

[sasguru]

Not this old chestnut of certification again. When I was a techie I did all the certs going (Yes I am Java certified + much more) but ONLY on the back of solid experience. Certainly wouldn't hire a certified person over someone with better, demonstrable hard core experience. If on the other hand they have both, I would be inclined to take them. Certification is like the icing on the cake.