.NET developer has a few hours to cram for a Java proficiency test. What to do?

Question

I have an interview tomorrow morning and just found out that I will also be taking an hour-long Java proficiency test!

I am a certified C# .NET developer but have barely touched Java since college. (Yes, I am thinking about switching from .NET development to Java!)

I'm not going to be able to effectively cram the whole of the Java library by tomorrow morning. What are some key ideas that I should study that might actually make a difference in such a short time frame? (The examiners will be taking into account that I have had little exposure to Java.)

Thanks!

Edit NOTE: I think that the exam is going to be written, so no specific IDE.

Answer 1

Do you get to use an IDE? If yes, I think you should look at lots of libraries to learn the syntax.

If there is no IDE, then you are screwed buy Head First Java (available in PDF).

Answer 2

If the examiners are taking into account the fact that you have had little exposure to Java recently, you should be fine.

Since Java and C# are so closely related, you will do just fine.

Maybe brush up on some Java basics like the API docs and the Sun/Oracle tutorials for anything specific.

Most importantly, though, is to make sure you use correct syntax. Java and C# are similar, but obviously not the same.

Also be familiar with whatever (if any) IDE you will be using. It can help you immensely when you write your code.

Answer 3

IDK about you but I never try to fluff my skills. You know what you know and you don't know much about Java. As you said, they should know this and should take this into account.

I personally try to find a job that fits my skills so I can continue to grow them. If you always try to sway your skills to a job listing that you've found, well, you'll be doing that for the rest of your life!

As for java stuff, C# very similar as you know, just remember you cant do

string a = "aa";
string b = "cc";

if (a == b)
{}

you have to do something like

if (b.isEqualTo(a))
{}

or someting like that (cant remember)

Answer 4

Maybe you have time enough to take a look at this article. You probably won't need to read all of it, just the key points.

I would emphasize some differences:

• Java cannot overload operators
• Java has nothing like Linq as far as I'm concerned
• Java has no delegates
• If you're going to develop GUI oriented software, you're entering a whole new world
• Java package structure is different from the namespace structure, although a little bit similar
• In Java you always have to catch exceptions. You cannot just ignore them
• Java does not have ref and out parameters
• Java does not have the using keyword

• In Java syntax you have to explicitly define getters and setters For example:

  public int getX() { return x; } public void setX(int x) { this.x = x; }

• Java has no goto

Answer 5

Good luck.! :) May be the test doesn't matter, they should understand how good a .NET dev you are and Java is just a medium.

Answer 6

I supose that could be helpful: Tech Interviews - Java
It's a really nice collection of java connected job interviews questions with answers divided into different categories. You can check your situation quickly!