Free Java Programmer's Test

I stumbled on the site http://www.betterprogrammer.com today and found that it offers an open book programming test meaning you can use all reference (like one can do at work) but complete 5 programming exercises pertaining to use of core Java language for writing algorithms. It requires lots of Java collections framework usage and writing some recursion algorithms, writing tree traversal code, calculating prime numbers and stuff like that. The time limit is not very strict and it even allows you to take a break and then continue with the test. In the end you are given a free certificate based on percentile (which it states will keep changing - read may improve - with time, as more people take this free test). The questions were good quality and if you have some free time and like to write code then its quite a good avenue to spend some time on.

My certificate is here: http://www.betterprogrammer.com/certificate/BP1Q9GB5

They claim to maintain this certificate for you in their database and that you can retake the tests to improve (not sure if the questions remain the same - if they dont change then thats a bummer) but anyway take it once and you will love it. If you have taken this test already then feel free to leave your comments on how you liked it or discuss the questions you liked/found interesting.

Using SAP Memory Analyzer for Java memory leak detection

[Click to watch video of using SAP Memory Analyzer]

I recently had opportunity to use the SAP Memory Analyzer tool for analyzing an HPROF heap dump generated on OutOfMemory error in code. I found that its an excellent and user friendly tool for job of memory leak analysis with good documentation. Though i generally preferred to use JHAT for heap walking but i realized that this SAP tool is much more intuitive and memory leak detection in code was a breeze. The above video tutorial talks about using the version 1.1.1 (which happens to be the latest at this time). Highly recommended.

Preparing for SCJP 5.0 Exam

While preparing for SCJP 5.0 exam, i did the following:

1. Bought a certification guide (SCJP 5.0 Study Guide by Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates)
2. Read the book from cover to cover
3. The guide came with a ebook in pdf format on a CD with the book. I used the pdf document for copy pasting the contents i wanted to revise later into a word document notes i prepared.
4. I first copied the 2 minute drills part (which was like a quick summary of essential parts of the chapter). Then i went to the relevant parts where i needed some examples copied from into my notes.
5. I also copied the exercise examples to the respective sections of my notes. This really helps to see the kind of question on a topic you can get near to the notes on that topic.

I did the above for all chapters and captured my notes in one word document which i took a print out of and then revised and kept adding any special question which i could not answer from one of the several mock exams found on the internet.

As an end result, following the above process for any certification exam, will help one prepare not only a exam cram but a worthy quick reference for work and refreshing your knowledge on the subject for a job interview.

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Well i passed the exam on 15th May, 06 with 90% score (65/72 questions answered correctly). And here's my final words on how i prepared for this exam: Thread on JavaRanch Discussion Form where i declared my pass result