Training Review: JB325, JBoss for Advanced Developers

Disclaimer: I work for JBoss, but I do not work for the training department, nor am I trying to sell you training. I'm just trying to let you know about a worthwhile class you can attend.

I've just finished JB325, a four day live-instructor class. It was an intense 4 days. Roughly, here's what was presented:

JBoss architecture
The inside scoop on how the JMX microkernel and POJO microcontainer act as the framework upon which all the running parts of JBoss are placed. (Hint: you can change it all, through configuration files!) We learned the startup procedure and main abstractions involved, as well as important stuff like classpath isolation techniques. (Experienced JEE developers will probably recognize the need for these.)

AOP, Invokers, Interceptor stacks
Several times we discussed AOP in JBoss and the way chain-of-command is used to build stacks of interceptors used throughout the architecture. The 'Invoker' concept was also thoroughly explained.

JCA, DataSources, and Transactions
Valuable especially in preparing databases and JMS providers for use.

JBoss Cache, Clustering, and JGroups
Clustering is easy with JBoss, right out of the box. This section of the class showed us how it all works and how you can exploit the individual parts if you'd like.

Performance Tuning
This part alone made the class worth attending. Java performance tuning knowledge is always useful, we got some great tips here. (By the way, have a look at the blog post about the new JBoss tuning book.)

Security
As it applies across all the tiers.

Messaging
JBoss Messaging, how it's configured, and how it's used.

Student workstations were provided. Students were given the software (including the IDE) and were required to configure their own environments. Labs were challenging-- sometimes there were some easy parts, sometimes there were significant challenges.

Lunch was provided and was delicious every day. (Not relevant, I know. But if I were shopping around for a class, I'd want to know!)

The bottom line: I recommend this class to anyone using JBoss that's got a handle on application basics already. If you're not sure what goes into a .ear, you're probably not ready yet. But if you've done your share of development on the 'Boss already, you'd probably like this one.

Happy learning!