AP Computer Science AB -- where to start? do i need a $50 book?
 

I am decent at C++ programming (just cant make a GUI, but can make many things in console apps), and I wanted to take the AP CS AB exam this May. Then I found out that AP is too good for C++, they need Java. So I am starting to learn Java. I am learning the language fast, but what is it that AP specifically wants you to know?? I dont have any resources for theory, i just know how to make the programs. Also, i dont always make programs the most efficient as i could, does this matter? The only decent books are $50...:(
i would pay that if i had it lol, anything cheaper?

The focus is on object-oriented design and polymorphism, as well as data structures (such as binary trees) and simple algorithms. A firm grasp of recursion will also come in handy.

A significant portion of the test assumes familiarity with the College Board's Marine Biology Simulation. You will need to understand the ins and outs of this program, including how to create new fish, determine the shortest path from one square to another (hint: recursion), etc.

Ah, yes... the marine bio problem. That would have killed me had I taken the test way-back-whenever, but I'd not seen it before taking a mock exam. Otherwise, like titaniumdecoy says, know basic algorithms and Big-O notation, OO design, have some familiarity with Java's syntax, and you should be fine.

thats it? i was expecting it to be harder...
im gonna probably just get a a review book and study the AP marine bio problem and case studies and AP java subsets/libraries.
thanks guys