What is Java?

Java is a computer programming language. The importance of Java as a subject can not be stated enough. Java is one of the basic languages that a budding software engineer must know. It lays the foundation stone for a student who wants to learn more computer languages.

Important topics

• Boolean Algebra
• Computer Hardware
• Programming in Java
• Data structures

Tips for preparation

• The only real way to learn a programming language is by writing codes.
• Begin by coding simple programmes provided by any good textbook, run these, and debug them if they don’t work.
• As soon as you feel confident, write your own programmes, like simple math, adding 2 2 together. Then, work in input statements “input a, input b:” and add those together. Then, work on a loop to make the program repeat and also to repeat until the user gives a command to exit the loop.
• Debug, comment, and think of more elegant ways of doing the same tasks.
• Then get into files, and reading in information.
• With the Open Source movement, you have a wealth of projects. Make use of these projects and try and understand these projects. You will also gain familiarity with some tools like version control and IDEs
• Go through the papers. Also, have a look at the answers and the marking scheme provided, as no other source can give you a better judgment than the one provided by CISCE. Take as many practice tests as possible.

How to score well

• Before you start the exam, utilize the first 15 minutes to scan the paper. Read the question paper thoroughly before jumping to write the answers.
• Among the questions with internal choices, select the ones that you plan to attempt, and frame skeletons of the answers you are going to write for these questions. 
• Follow a pattern. For example, in case you start with long answer questions, complete that section and only then move to short or very short answer section.
• During the exam, try to substantiate your answers with a small programme for better understanding.
• Highlight the important points and write your answer in points to enhance visibility.

Recommended books

• Complete Reference by Herbert Schildt is one of the best books available in the market for ISC. It gives ample theoretical and practical knowledge to a budding software engineer.
• Java fundamentals by E. Balaguruswamy is a book with plenty of theoretical knowledge and a few illustrations for each topic. The language is very simple.

To know more about the books to follow, click here