Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
ColdFusion
The ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML) is a complete fourth generation
(4GL) for scripting Web applications. Based on tags, CFML provides a
comprehensive server-side programming environment with an easy to use
syntax that cleanly integrates with HTML.CFML accelerates development by
encapsulating complex processes like connecting to databases or e-mail
servers with straightforward tags. CFML provides the ultimate environment for
leveraging the features of the ColdFusion Application Server to create sophis-
ticated Web applications. ColdFusion is the rapid server scripting environ-
ments for creating Rich Internet applications. ColdFusion enables developers
to easily build and deploy dynamic Web sites, content publishing systems, self-
service applications and commerce sites as examples. ColdFusion is highly
desirable due to its ability to combine built-in search and charting capabilities,
dynamic scripting and effortless connectivity to enterprise data. ColdFusion is
the tag-based server-scripting language for rapid Web development. Pro-
cessed entirely on the server, FML is easy to learn, yet powerful enough to
handle the most demanding Web-application logic. FML uses a syntax hat
closely resembles HTML and XML, so it is ideally suited to programming
applications that use these markup languages. For new developers, tag-based
CFML syntax makes complex programs easy. Advanced developers can
easily extend and customize CFML through custom tags, reusable compo-
nents, and user-defined functions, as well as take advantage of structured
exception handling and integration with Java, C, C++, COM, CORBA, and
EJB. ColdFusion is designed primarily for developers building dynamic Web
sites and Internet applications. Easy-to use visual tools and an intuitive server
scripting environment dramatically shorten the learning curve for new develop-
ers. At the same time, advanced features such as ColdFusion components,
internet debugging, XML handling, Java integration, Web services, and the
extensible event gateway architecture make ColdFusion ideal for developers
creating complex Web applications and applications that need to be accessible
from mobile devices. The use of ColdFusion and server-side applications will
increase as Web portfolio usage finds it way into mobile computing devices.
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 provides a compelling development
environment for building and testing ColdFusion applications. ColdFusion MX
7 provides new extensions for Dreamweaver MX 2004 to facilitate ColdFusion
Development including integrated data source management, CFFORM design
support, ColdFusion component recordsets, and a powerful login wizard.
