As a commercial web application development framework, ColdFusion enables programmers to rapidly create complex and large internet applications. However, the platform uses a scripting language called ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML). CFML uses tag syntax identical to HTML, whereas its script syntax resembles JavaScript. The programmers can further use CFML to generate other languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and XML. But the web programmers have to frequently modify the CFML code while creating internet applications with ColdFusion. The ColdFusion editors make it easier for the web programmers to edit their CFML code. They also have option to choose from different types of ColdFusion editors. Some of these editors are commercial, whereas others are open source and free.
Five Widely Used ColdFusion Editors and Their Features
1) CFEclipse
As an open source project, CFEclipse aims to provide a professional quality IDE to ColdFusion developers by creating a plug-in for the Eclipse platform. The editor can be availed by web application developers without paying any licensing fees. In addition to Eclipse’s in-built code navigation features, CFEclipse also comes with code folding, code insight, auto-complete, bracket matching, snippets, method and outline views, keyboard shortcuts and toolbar features. However, the developers can use the ColdFusion editor only after installing Eclipse.
2) FirstPage
Despite being designed primarily as a HTML editor, FirstPage supports ColdFusion extensively. It enables programmers to write HTML and CFML code without any interruption. FirstPage also perfectly understands the CF tags. It also makes it easier for developers to edit, format and validate code with syntax highlighting. At the same time, the developer can further access templates, code snippets, wizards, DOM tree browser and WYSIWYG support. The ColdFusion editor can be downloaded as a freeware or shareware. Also, the users have option to use commercial version of FirstPage that comes with additional features, more code snippets and larger template libraries.
3) ColdFusionPad
As a freeware, the full featured text editor is managed by the community of ColdFusion developers. The developers can use ColdFusionPad to understand the use of ColdFusion tags, functions and code with examples. For instance, they can use the text editor to edit CFML code easily by clicking on the drop down menus and inserting the code directly. At the same time, ColdFusionPad allows developers to create their own code library by adding code snippets and examples.
4) Adobe ColdFusion Builder
Adobe has designed the commercial ColdFusion editor with an IDE that can be used by developers to create and deploy both internet and mobile applications. Adobe has integrated ColdFusion Builder 3 with its PhoneGap Build. The integration makes it easier for programmers to create mobile apps and deliver them as installed apps from both Android and iOS. At the same time, the on-device debugging capabilities of the editor enable developers to identify and fix errors in the browser-based mobile applications and installed mobile apps. They can further use the built-in Weinre server to assess the look and feel of the mobile and web applications across multiple devices. The latest version of ColdFusion Builder also comes with smart coding option for CFML tags, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ColdFusion Components (CFCs), database tables and user-defined functions.
5) Sublime Text
The commercial ColdFusion editor is designed as a sophisticated text editor for both code and markup. Along with allowing users to open the files with only a few key strokes, it also allows them to jump to the lines, symbols or words in an instance. At the same time, its multiple selection feature makes it easier for programmers to change multiple lines interactively and manipulate files more quickly. A single license enables users to use Sublime Text on multiple computers regardless of the operating systems.
On the whole, the web developers need to pick the right ColdFusion editor to reduce the overall development time and efforts. Many developers opt for open source editors to avoid incurring additional cost. However, it is always important for the developers to compare the features of both open source and commercial editors according to the specific needs of their project. You can get in touch with a custom Coldfusion development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.
We provide Coldfusion development services. If you would like to hire ColdFusion developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.
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