Each section uses visual aids to make comprehending the material easier. For example, flow diagrams like the ones in Figure C are used to present the servlet and JSP life cycles.

FIGURE C


The JSP life cycle is well represented as a flow diagram. Roll over picture for a larger image.

When reviewing a procedure in WebSphere, complete screen shots of each dialog box that you'll encounter are included. If the dialog box currently being discussed is complex, the key areas in the dialog box are highlighted for emphasis. Finally, for each demo and activity, a screen shot of the Project Navigator view is provided, showing you exactly where to begin.

One thing I like about TLCC courses in general is that they choose completeness over brevity. Instead of just reviewing a segment of the code behind a demo, each code segment discussed is a complete piece of code, i.e. a servlet, a JSP, a Java bean, etc.

When the code behind a demo is reviewed, any statements that relate to previously discussed topics are displayed in bold. Another nice touch with the demo code included in the lesson material is that each row of code is displayed using alternating colors, making it easier to read.

Unlike other learning materials that refer you to the back of the book for help text, all help is included in the lesson at the point where the topic is introduced. This makes studying very efficient because you won't need to leave the lesson to read more about a particular Java programming construct or Domino custom tag.

Another feature of the course that I find very appealing is that almost all of the activities and demos are self-contained (the exception being the module on JDBC). This means that you won't need to complete a preceding activity before being able to work on another activity. You're free to skip around the course as you see fit.

Since this course is the second in a series of courses TLCC offers that introduce WebSphere development to Domino developers, there are several topics mentioned in this course that are fully explained in the previous course. For example, if you want to know more about the Model-View-Controller architecture, you'll need to refer to the Introduction to WebSphere 5 course.

You should be aware that IBM has made subtle changes to the various dialogs between WSAD V5.0 and WSAD V5.1.1. As a result, some of the screen shots you see in the course may not exactly match what you see in WSAD. A good example of this is the Properties dialog for Web projects. In Figure D you'll find the Properties dialog box for V5.0.

FIGURE D


The Web Project Properties dialog box for V5.0 Roll over picture for a larger image.

The Propertied dialog from V5.1.1 is shown in Figure E

FIGURE E


The Web Project Properties dialog box for V5.1.1 Roll over picture for a larger image.

One final recommendation: In case you make a mistake on an activity, or unintentionally modify a demo, you should either install the TLCC EAR files into two separate workspaces, or configure the Local History Settings before you begin the course. Either option will make it possible to easily restore a modified file with minimal downtime. If you decide to use the Local History Settings to recover files, change the preferences from the default of seven days to something more appropriate, like 365. Also, change the Entries Per File from 50 to 1000.