Expressive with experience,Correction and goal is always in mind

Very recently I started blogging wanted to share my own experience to make my self better and better

Sunday, September 19, 2010

SCEA Preparation

Well I started this entire certification to make my self updated with J2EE version and utilizing my travel time Now segregating my preparation into 3 parts :

Pre Exam Preparation :

I bought vouchers for SCEA and I bought all three my voucher at once shot though it is not needed don't make that mistake which I did ...I did not started preparation from very next day I was just relaxing as I went through my 2nd surgery for Gallbladder.


Part-1 :
It started on April 10th where first time I started collecting material for SCEA part-1 preparation. Just gone through EJB3 in Action,JSF in Action(couple of times) which was new topic for me otherwise rest of the topics were easy to deal ..dont forget to read Cade and Sheil book(Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java™ EE Study Guide) will give u over view on architect exam.Couple of mock exams and I am sure all can clear part-1 exam ..my preparation time was around 3 hrs for month and most of my time in traveling ..I was quite eager about further exams so for me scoring was not important ...I felt quite easy of course once I cleared part-1 exam on 10th May 2010..

Now came a break for me where I was working on mission critical software project (software projects are mission critical don't know why ?)though I downloaded my assignment on 10th May (very same day on which I cleared my part-1 exam)again used my traveling time for rough design but never put in execution as I was tired and exhausted almost every day.25th June was the delivery day for my project and It was on time dude....relaxed for a week but wanted to start my part-2 preparation.

Part-2
I started preparation on 1st July .My assignment was Big Smoke Cigar company who want to go online and expand their line of business.During that my experience on EJB2 helped as well I did some prototyping on EJB3 JSF Components and JPA using GlassFish and Netbeans IDE.I used J2EE5 tutorial for all my prototyping.POC went well with glassfish and NetBeans IDE and now I was quite ready with my technology choice.

Now I came onto tiers and layers It was quite obvious choice for me multi tier / and usual set of tiers (Presentation,Business,Integration and Resource)Don't we have this in all web application ? So for me It was not a big effort justifying each and every decision is very important and documenting it.Now I came onto domain modeling I did not alter any domain objects just used as it was described in assignment.

Here are my list of documents :

Risk & Mitigation : Described top 3 risk and mitigation
Assumptions : One page assumption described as much as u can don't back off
Big Smoke Cigar Component Diagram : Refereed to Cade and Sheil book(Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java™ EE Study Guide)
Big Smoke Cigar Class Diagram : Described domain modeling ,important managers and controllers (If Any)
Big Smoke Cigar Sequence Diagram : Spilled into six diagrams described flows from presentation to resource tier.
Big Smoke Cigar Deployment Diagram : Very simple just used all my experiences.Described UAT environment as well.

Re factoring on contents and presentation but only couple of time ...

And was on time I was quite ready on 31st July..

Part-3 exam :

It was quite easy just think about what u did and why u did in 2nd part.It was 2 hr exam in pro metric center.Questions were quite simple as follows :

Why have u chosen framework If any If not why not ?
What technology u have used in presentation and business tier why ?
Set of design patterns on which layer and why ?
Security (network security and application security)

Not remember all the questions now but It was in line with your part-2 preparation...

I think I wanted to write so many stuff in exams but was not having much of time.

I mailed my assignment to architect-submit_US@oracle.com after writing my part-3 exam.

Here are the important links you all would like to follow :
http://www.javaranch.com/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/25297376/J2EE-5-Architect-Exam-Study-Guide
https://ibt1.prometric.com/index.asp?ibt=8469049334&

I think If you are not well versed with UML get familiar with UML.

My result got announced on 21st August It was just a mail that I have cleared SCEA exam.

48 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi,
Could u please provide me book intsall name in mumbai where I can get SCEA guide by Mark..

with regards,
S.K.Jha

Rishi said...

Hi Suman,

Please drop me yr mail address will send u soft copy of same

Ksenia Khailenko said...

Congratulations with the successfully passed exam!) I'm at very beginning of preparation, very impressed with you post, it's quite informative and useful.
just to clarify, as I've understood from your post, for the Part 2 assignment there is allowed to use any web framework, isn't there?

Unknown said...

hi,
my mail id is skjha_mum@rediffmail.com or skjha.mum@gmail.com

thanks in advance

with regards,
S.K.Jha

Rishi said...

@ksenia_khailenko :
Yes U r allowed to use any web framework as well in part-2 u need to justify why ? and why not JSF / JSP
@Suman : I have mailed u a copy of cade book ...

JAY said...

CONGRATULATION FOR PASS SCEA exam.

Rishi said...

#Jay : Thank u very much...let me know If u need any help..

Akshat Agarwal said...

it was really pleasure to read ur post

Ahmos said...

Hi,
can you please send me the books soft copy too?

my email is : amostafa88@gmail.com

(THANKS)

jitendra said...

Hi - Congrats on completing SCEA certification. Can you mail me softcopy of guide by mark on jitendrathakuriya@gmail.com ...thx in advance

Unknown said...

Conratulation Rishi.really very helpful blog.
please also send me the soft copy of same. my email is san_joshi1@yahoo.com
Thanks in advance

Thanks
Sandeep

Anonymous said...

Hey Rishi,

Job well done!!

Need your inputs, as I am now into the preparation mode and when i look at the BDM, I get a sense that I cannot use them as is. Did you say that you used them as is? :-)

Also, I was looking into Sun's JEE material (chapter 9 and 10) where they have a JustBuiltIt sample assignment. Going by that, we can have JSP, Servlets, EJBs etc into our class diagram. Can we really take that at its fair value?

Your inputs greatly appreciated!!

Thanks
Srini

Rishi said...

@srini : u r free to change BDM for sure but make sure u justified your decision why and what ? now about using jsp.servlet and ejb in your class diagram u can mark it as a stero types..I have shown ejb as stero types for example <>,jsf pages<> and marked <> for servlet..how about seeing a chapters for part-2 and part-3 in cade book i am sure that is good enough..let me know if i can help u further..sorry abt formating lazy to hook into laptop so just using my mobile...

Srini said...

Hey Rishi..

No apologies needed..Actually I appreciate your reply...

I have been posting this in java ranch for the past couple of weeks and believe me, I am loosing my sleep sometimes :-)

When I look into the BDM i feel the solution, but looking into various other posts which cautions not to change anything in the BDM, is what dazzles me...

For instance, the one issue which I have been posting is with regard to the Cigar types and the manufacturer issue. I am sure if we treat the Cigars (PetiteCigar or a Standard Cigar) as concrete products, we are far away from the solution. An ideal approach would be look into the same as category. The relation ship given in BDM (many to many) is clearly not specifically correct in this regard.

How do you share this concern?

Also Cade is my favorite and he helped me through to cross 90% in my part 1 :-) Hail Cade :-) LOL

Rishi said...

Hey Srini : I completely agree with u BDM in assignment quite not ready but make sure u prepare well and justified tht as well..I have clearly said u can change BDM but it requires good justification.I have changed BDM afa cigar,category and manufacturer is concerned.for me all the cigar product belong to category and shown external stero type for manufacturer and cigar products.make sure u describe UML relationship well in class diagram.let me know if u require any help..

Srini said...

Thanks once again Rishi.

I have a quick question. I have decided to go with a front controller (custom servlet) in the web tier (not even using JSF). I guess Humphrey Sheil has the same kind of approach in his sample application.

Now, I come up an attribute, something like a OrderInfoBean which I am storing into the HttpSession. This helps the controller to fetch the information it needs to cater to the requesting JSPs. (More like a managed bean).

Looking into various architectures of JSF (lot of managed beans etc etc) mine looks very simple.
Should I still go with a JSF approach?

Srini said...

Also Rishi,

Along with the above query, i have this creeping in my mind.

This is about about the integration tier. I am planning to implement a service activator and as per Humphrey Sheil, I can show up a MDB in component diagram. Now my point is, should we also show up an MDB in class diagram?

Also, how about the JMS queue to which the MDB is listening to? Where do we show that? Now important thing about this queue is that it is part of our system and not an external system.

Also if a adapter is being to access an external queue or a service, then the sequence would be:

Controller -> Stateless Bean - > Queue - > MDB -> adapter -> External queue or any other service.

Makes sense?
Your inputs greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Srini

Rishi said...

Hey Srini,

My Laptop Adapter was not working so could not hook into my laptop..

Now about your questions :

>>I have a quick question. I have >>decided to go with a front >>controller (custom servlet) in >>the web tier (not even using >>JSF). I guess Humphrey Sheil has >>the same kind of approach in his >>sample application.

Well u can go with this approach I see nothing wrong in this but JSF provides easy validation framework,easy migration to other platforms.

>>Now, I come up an attribute, >>something like a OrderInfoBean >>which I am storing into the >>HttpSession. This helps the >>controller to fetch the >>information it needs to cater to >>the requesting JSPs. (More like a >>managed bean).

>>Looking into various >>architectures of JSF (lot of >>managed beans etc etc) mine looks >>very simple.
>>Should I still go with a JSF >>approach?

Yaa I think u should go for JSF as JSF provides easy migration to various platform such as mobile etc.It also provides validation framework ,increases maintainability as presentation mostly consist of tags.And other features such as i18N and etc etc..

Rishi said...

Hey Srini :

Now answering your 2nd set of questions :

>>This is about about the >>integration tier. I am planning >>to implement a service activator >>and as per Humphrey Sheil, I can >>show up a MDB in component >>diagram. Now my point is, should >>we also show up an MDB in class >>diagram?

Yaa ServiceActivator is the way to go for integrating external system.
Yes I have shown MDB in my class diagram and I think we should include MDB in class diagram for integration tier.

>>Also, how about the JMS queue to which the MDB is listening to? Where do we show that? Now important thing about this queue is that it is part of our system and not an external system.

Well I have written notes on class digram describing all my classes what does they do how and what resources are required.u can do the same providing description of classes for each classes If possible.

>>Controller -> Stateless Bean - > Queue - > MDB -> adapter -> External queue or any other service.

Yes It makes sense to me ..make sure u provide adapter classes in your sequence diagram.

Let me know If u need more information...

Srini said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Srini said...

Some how had a complete design of my class diagram in place today. But once i had completed it I found that to be some what cluttered. (I might be wrong too!!)

I have a controller (faces servlet), session bean classes, mdb class and also the adapter classes. More importantly the entities.

Should we have to show the adapter classes at all in my class diagram?

Also Rishi, just wanted to ask about the JMS Queue thing. Even if we dont show that up in our class diagram, we have a problem in sequence diagram. If we dont show that up in the sequence, then the sequence join is missed, right? Dont you think that is a problem?

Srini said...

ok.

I think I got a something in my mind. The queue can be shown in the sequence diagram, probably a separate sequence digram which would show the messaging between the service activator and JMS queue alone?

Right?

To please the examiner probably I should first list out the sequence diagrams given the assignment and probably add on at the end as separate sequences.

Now I know why you had to give 6 sequence diagrams :-)

Rishi said...

>>I have a controller (faces servlet), session bean classes, mdb class and also the adapter classes. More importantly the entities

I think no need to show any adapter classes in yr class diagram... concentrate on domain classes,important managers,controllers in yr class diagram.

>>I think I got a something in my mind. The queue can be shown in the sequence diagram, probably a separate sequence digram which would show the messaging between the service activator and JMS queue alone?

Spot on dude...u just make sure u cover all flows in yr sequence diagram..

Just read some of yr comments about Thoughtworks well I think interview procedure is quite different from other company that is why I have decided to go for tht company now I am looking forward some good challenges over there..

Dude let me know If u required any further help

Srini said...

Reading few blogs from javaranch talking about failure of people from exam :-( , I decided to use all the domain classes in my diagram but modify that as per Mark Cade's way :-)

Also by this time of the night, I had this query suddenly cropping up my head.

All the domain objects listed, they don't have to qualify for being an entity, right? Or do they all qualify for being an entity...(in regard to this situation)

Alessandro said...

Hi guys,
I'm also working on Cigar shop, I have downloaded 5 minutes ago the project and after 10/20 readings, I think that: integration with inventory system is syncronized, accomplished in check out use case, so, why do you speak of a MDB?

Rishi said...

>>All the domain objects listed, they don't have to qualify for being an entity, right? Or do they all qualify for being an entity...(in regard to this situation)

They don't have to qualify for an entity...for example manufacturers.

Rishi said...

>>I'm also working on Cigar shop, I have downloaded 5 minutes ago the project and after 10/20 readings, I think that: integration with inventory system is syncronized, accomplished in check out use case, so, why do you speak of a MDB?

MDB has been useful for inventory product update from manufacturers.

Srini said...

Hey Rishi,

I have this assumption going. These entities (Cigar or Category) are present only for fetch as far as this application is concerned. Right?

On user selecting a Cigar any way we send out a check into the inventories (in-house and manufacturer). So I am planning to have a batch program (probably a EJB timer service) running which updates the database with new categories and products (if at all any), probably a EOD process.

Sounds sensible?

Srini.

Rishi said...

>>I have this assumption going. These entities (Cigar or Category) are present only for fetch as far as this application is concerned. Right?

For fetch and update as well when user selects checkout we need to do availability update on cigar.(I remember I have made this call as synchronous)

>>So I am planning to have a batch program (probably a EJB timer service) running which updates the database with new categories and products (if at all any), probably a EOD process.

Sound perfect for me..

Srini said...

Thanks Rishi...But correct me if I am wrong...That is the line item and order which we have to update as per the use case...right?

Rishi said...

>>That is the line item and order which we have to update as per the use case...right?

Have u given a thought abt applying order process in phases ..do u want to consider order processing / inventory update / sending shipping request togather ? how abt having timer service for above all of task ?

Let me know If u require more information..

Srini said...

Got my 1year validity Voucher for part 3 today and because of that I am more committed towards completing part 2 J [Applied for leaves accordingly too ha ha ha!!]

Rishi, with regard to your comment, I guess wise men think alike (LOL :- ))

I was thinking on the same lines but with a small difference!!

Take for instance the Cade’s GES example:

1) Product and category entities can be loaded from the DB. They would exists only as a look up catalog tables (probably these tables would be loaded by EOD process etc etc)
2) Once the Order is placed save the order in DB and then we do the rest asynchronously (as you say..a timer service would help). Updating the inventory with product info for quantity, shipping etc etc

But to answer your question: I am separating the order creation from the rest, because we generally show up the order number to the customer. So I thought I would not do that as part of timer service…Should that be sensible?

Rishi said...

>>I am separating the order creation from the rest, because we generally show up the order number to the customer. So I thought I would not do that as part of timer service…Should that be sensible?

Well It sounds good no need to use timer service for order generation but now more thinking on when order don't get finished say for some ad hoc reasons(network failure,session timeout,payment failure)..make sure u provide clean up for those orders and updates inventory as well.

Design some exception classes as well dude...

Did I miss anything ?

Srini said...

perfect..you have not missed anything...I totally agree about the clean up...

But how about points 1 and 2...are they valid justifications for having Product, Category as entities?

Rishi said...

Sorry I missed yr couple of points :

>>1) Product and category entities can be loaded from the DB. They would exists only as a look up catalog tables (probably these tables would be loaded by EOD process etc etc)

Product and Categories as Entity Yes u r right on that part for sure ...

Well I think no need to run EOD Process how abt define a queue for each manufacturer and let them be responsible for sending update via JMS Message.

Once u finish this If u want I can take part in review of yr assignment..

Srini said...

Rishi..

This is in regard to a well known issue across various sites. When we have an application which uses Servlets and EJB, where do we store a state. HttpSession or SFSB?

In pet store example doc, it has been explicitly advised to use Stateful beans in such cases.

In my view, it sounds reasonable to me. I just store the session bean reference in the servlet session and access that every time. The internal business logic and state is abstracted from the presentation tier (which is good).

Srini said...

And Rishi...one add on is with regard to your earlier reply:

Why should I have different queues for each manufacturer. Why not a single queue to which all the manufacturer sends messages. So I have only on MDB listening to that..

Sounds reasonable?

Rishi said...

>>When we have an application which uses Servlets and EJB, where do we store a state. HttpSession or SFSB?

Obvious choice will be SFSB ,yr architecture is ejb driven so u r left with no choice;;

>>Why should I have different queues for each manufacturer. Why not a single queue to which all the manufacturer sends messages. So I have only on MDB listening to that..

Sorry dude It was typo mistake, u should have only one queue on which manufacturers can send inventory update message.

swapgmail said...

Hi Rishi,

Congrats on completing SCEA
certification.
Can you mail me softcopy of guide by mark on winswapnil@gmail.com


thanx in advance

Rajesh Roy said...

Hi Rishi,
Congrats and thanks a lot for taking sincere interest in resolving your reader's questions and concerns. Much appreciated.


Regards,
Rajesh Roy

Madhu said...

Hi Rishi,
Thanks a lot for providing us insight into how things can be done in SCEA exam, I passed part 1 recently and emailed you with a couple of questions on part 2 (to your gmail id), appreciate if you can take time to answer those.
Thanks,
Madhu
madhun461@gmail.com

Anand said...

Hi Rishi,

Thanks for the sharing the info. I'm working on the same assignment. I have couple of questions

1. StardardCigar, PetiteCiagar and flavored cigars are the categories or cigar types? should we have make them as concrete classes? Also, i'm assuming manufactures is attribute of the Ciagr.

2. Check Availability should check the in-house inventory or manufacturer inventory?

Any insight will be greately appriciated

Thanks,
Anand

Unknown said...

Hi Rishi,
Congratuation to become Oracle certified Architect.
I am planning to prepare, Could you please send me the soft copy of SCEA book/ guide to my mail id.
my Id : bkinthada@yahoo.com

Thanks & Regards
Balajee

Ranjeet Kumar Jha said...

can u pls send the downloadabl link of scea part 2 assignment and any good book to prepare part 2, as I have just passed scea part 1 in sep-2010. my email Id is : ranjeet.kr@gmail.com

Thanks,
Ranjeet

Ranjeet Kumar Jha said...

Hi Rishi,
Congratuation to become certified Architect.
I am on the way, Could you please send me the soft copy of SCEA book/ guide to my mail id.
my Id : ranjeet.kr@yahoo.com

Nobby said...

Hey Rishi,

congratulations for passing the exam.
I'am currently also working on the big smokes cigar shop exam. Maybe you can help me with a little with a question.

After Reading the workshop output for many times i'am now thinking that if i check the availability of a cigar i have to call the back smoke inventory system for their own cigar lines and for cigars by manufacturers i have to call their inventory system.

Am i right with this assumption?

Best regards

15MinBlogger said...

Hi Rishi,

I have one question. I have around 15 use cases. Do i need to provide sequence diagram for each??

Thanks,
Brijesh

Richa said...

Hi Rishi,

Thanks for such valuable information.
Can you please mail me list of books/material. It will be great if you can share some material if you have soft copies. Thanks a lot!

Best Wishes,
agrawal.richa12@gmail.com
Richa Agrawal.