Are there any Benefits of using ColdFusion for your next web project?

“Web application development is at its peak and every web domain specific language or technology is gaining immediate popularity in the industry and so is happening with ColdFusion as well. ColdFusion is a web domain specific technology with extremely simple interface and highly flexible design. After acquisition by Adobe, it has gained sudden popularity due to enhanced performance and support. Though it is an old technology, still it has all the potential to build an enterprise quality web application due to its continuous effort to include modern tools and technologies of the industry. Is it really fit for your upcoming project, let us find it out. ”

For low resource availability ColdFusion is like a boon: ColdFusion was developed by Jeremy Allaire and JJ Allaire in 1995 with an aim to develop a platform for quick web development without compromising on the quality. Fortunately, ColdFusion turned out as a magnificent piece. It does not need much resource for the web development process; in fact, a small team can build an enterprise standard web application on the fly. Hence start up firms love this for improved productivity with less investment. Moreover, fresher can kick start their career with ColdFusion to enter into the IT industry.

It does not require any expertise: The installation process of ColdFusion is extremely simple and any newbie can do it on his own. Once you set up the platform, you can start coding on the IDE with basic knowledge on HTML and CSS3 etc. A fresher can easily find many video tutorials and learning materials from internet to sharpen his skill on the technology. There is a good supportive community around the world who will definitely encourage him to learn and understand ColdFusion in a super simple manner. The code itself simple and easy to understand; often confused with HTML, but its CFML. There are many CFML tags to help a beginner in building quality web application on the fly. The best part is that CFML tags are quite similar to the real words that we use in our day to day life. So ColdFusion developers can also create custom CFML tags as per his needs and requirements.

The charm of ColdFusion resides within its simplicity: ColdFusion was developed with an aim to provide simple coding experience to solve complex web issues. Everything is simple in ColdFusion starting from the tags to the backend programming. To build a powerful web application, we can’t ignore the importance of database like Oracle, MySQL or SQL etc. So we have to connect our ColdFusion application with those database servers; but, it does not need any lengthy code neither complex structure. All can be done by one tag that wraps the SQL statement you’re running and a single tag that iterates over results to render onto the HTML page. That’s it!! From this, we can understand the true power of ColdFusion; because database access is considered as the most complex part of any web application solution.

ColdFusion ORM is an outstanding gift for the industry: ColdFusion ORM is a next generation platform for high end web app development that too at a rapid pace. ORM stands for Object relational mapping. It enables ColdFusion to behave as a framework with Object as the core. Now, everything you want can be performed swiftly with the Objects of the framework. It makes the database access much simpler than before. You change at one place and it will be rendered throughout the application. Edit, Create and delete- every operation can be performed without any hassle in an efficient manner. It can help you in increasing your productivity at a much faster pace than your imagination. The main target of ColdFusion ORM is to build database automatically and dynamically from the object itself. The best part of CF ORM is that, it enables the application database to be automatic synchronised with the application modifications. In fact, we can say, it is like a bridge between object model and traditional relational database. With the integration of object to database, it becomes a powerful and handy platform for the developer’s point of view. The ORM can build highly secure and scalable web applications on the fly. Moreover, the security features are simply outstanding. It also enables the compatibility with all 3 platforms i.e. UNIX, Linux and Windows. With CF ORM, i.e. developed in Hibernate can build enterprise class high performance and secure web applications without much effort. We can definitely consider this as a futuristic tool for rapid web development with all security features along with extraordinary performance.

Better security can be achieved with ColdFusion: Before 2002, ColdFusion was running on C++ as the background process; but later it transformed to Java platform. Everyone knows the potential of Java when it comes about security features. With java, ColdFusion turned out as a powerful platform for secure web application development. Recently with integration of Amazon web service, the security has been improved to another standard. ColdFusion enables web developers in building high performance and secure web solutions without much effort. Multithreading can be achieved with ColdFusion without any security threat over protocol communication. Highly secure APIs can be used for advanced and optimized ColdFusion web application development to meet future demands.

ColdFusion is now mobile friendly: Yes, considering the importance of mobile devices and mobile browsers, Adobe ColdFusion 11 release is made available for mobile web app developers as well. Now, build your mobile website from within the ColdFusion platform itself. You can supercharge your application development process with on device debugger and multi device inspection ability. So, ColdFusion is fully loaded to meet the future demand of the industry. It enables web developers in building smart sites for mobile browsers for different platforms like android, iOS and Windows etc. You can also build responsive web applications using ColdFusion 11 so that your user will get utmost satisfaction. Cross platform compatibility, load testing and performance testing can be performed with ColdFusion making it a clear winner in the industry.

With all above advantages, you can choose ColdFusion for your next project: Now, we need not to write more to score better for ColdFusion. It has tremendous power, supercharged core, highly secure environment, and allows developers in building rapid web solutions along with mobile site development support. With CF ORM, things can be changed too much better form. So you can simply trust upon ColdFusion for all your web related stuffs including quality smart apps and mobile web development.

Mindfire Solutions provides expert ColdFusion development services from India, gaining its expertise from years of experience in ColdFusion web development and ColdFusion application development. If you have any ColdFusion development project in mind, you are at the right place. Please write to us at sales at MindfireSolutions dot com and we will be sending a free quotation in one business day.

The popularity of ColdFusion in the modern day

Yet another web technology: In past decade, we have seen a tremendous change in the IT industry. The industry that was once dominated by Sun Microsystem’s java and oracle is now captured by web domain specific technologies like PHP, ColdFusion, ruby, JSP and ASP etc. There are many web domains specific technologies have born in past decade to fulfil the demands of the industry and the users. Devices like smart phones, tablets and netbooks have helped the web industry to grow in a magical way with the cooperation from mobile internet networks. Anyway, ColdFusion is yet another web technology of the industry that has born with an ambition to serve the industry in a better way. Unlike any other web domain specific technology, ColdFusion has some awesome core concept that helps the web developers in developing enterprise standard scalable web solutions.

The popularity of ColdFusion is highest for data driven websites: Though there are PHP developers, ASP.Net developers and others in the web developer league but ColdFusion developers have their unique identity and presence in the industry. It has a wonderful concept within its core i.e., making the web application much more interactive with easy connectivity to the database. With ColdFusion the web developer can create dynamic web pages where the front end connects to the backend database in an efficient manner and most importantly easier manner than any other platform. The ColdFusion developer needn’t to think about much for the database connectivity and API calls in the network for better user experience. Well it reduces the effort of the developer to a large extent and hence anxiety of the web developer.

ColdFusion can also help in designing responsive web apps: Like other web domain technologies, ColdFusion also offers an outstanding platform for the web developers in developing responsive web applications. In a world where most of the population are using smart phones and tablets for browsing internet we can’t ignore the importance of these devices. As a smart web developer we must make our website fit for all these devices irrespective of their screen size, resolution and hardware specification. For the same we must design our website with the help of responsive web technology. Responsive web technology means providing similar user experience in all platforms and screen sizes for enhanced experience. Our application will look similar in these devices and hence impart a better user interface to the end user. Fortunately ColdFusion provides a platform to web developers in building responsive web application with HTML5, CSS3, JQuery, Bootstrap etc.

All modern web features can be achieved by ColdFusion: I would like to inform you that ColdFusion is the mix up scripting language and a CFML language. CFML is quite similar to that of HTML. Moreover it provides adequate scope to the ColdFusion developer in creating new tags in CFML. Hence it helps in creating advanced and customized web applications on the fly. What is more? ColdFusion developers can also integrate modern features like responsive web design, smart app development and cloud storage support in their application and hence making the web solution much more usable than before.

Mindfire Solutions provides expert ColdFusion development services from India, gaining its expertise from years of experience in ColdFusion web development and ColdFusion application development. If you want to Outsource ColdFusion Development or hire ColdFusion developers, you are at the right place. Please write to us at sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com and we will be sending a free quotation in one business day.

Few benefits of using ColdFusion

It’s a web domain specific language: Recently, we have seen a tremendous growth of web industry. Almost all other industries are taking the help of web industry to promote their business and potential. Things are getting even better with the introduction of smart phones and tablets into the industry. Moreover, they are increasing their volume at a very faster pace. As a result it triggers the web industry to grow in a much faster pace than before. To help the industry, ColdFusion has born as a web domain specific language. ColdFusion has already gained a good reputation and popularity in the industry in developing industry standard web application on the fly. It has all the necessary and required features to develop enterprise standard web solution that is highly optimised and reliable. Let us discuss those features or benefits of ColdFusion that has helped ColdFusion in getting a prestigious position in the industry.

It can enable the web developer for modern web application development: The most important feature of ColdFusion is its up-to-date industry facilities. It has all the modern amenities to conquer the web industry with a smile in the dimple. Modern technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JQuery etc can be easily integrated to your ColdFusion application to make it not only modern but also futuristic. You can develop a common web application that can impart similar user experience for different devices or platforms. This is otherwise called as responsive web design and it can be well achieved by ColdFusion developers.

Mobile app- Not an issue!! If you are looking for a mobile app development for your users or audience then there is a lot of scope in ColdFusion to develop enterprise standard mobile apps for different platforms like Android, iOS and Windows etc. A ColdFusion developer can be transformed into an iOS developer or Android developer without much hassle; because it provides an efficient platform to develop mobile apps for different operating systems. Moreover you can develop native apps and hybrid apps using ColdFusion for next generation devices like smart phones and tablets.

ColdFusion is Cloud compatible: With the growth of hand held computer devices like smart phone and tablets, the industry has a fear of physical memory to accommodate user’s data to store in these devices. To avoid this issue industry has introduced a new technology i.e., cloud storage service recently. It has already gained an overnight popularity among the users. Through cloud storage, a user can store big size of data like hundreds of GBs or TBs in cloud without any need of physical hard disk. Moreover their data is extremely safe and secure under these services with high level of encryption technology adopted by the industry leading cloud service providers like Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft etc. Fortunately cloud service technology can be integrated by the ColdFusion programmers to make the things easier and comfortable than before and hence making it future ready for the industry.

Has a good support: If a technology has already proven its potential then we needn’t to worry about the quality of support and service it provides in the industry. ColdFusion developer’s community is really huge and extremely co-operative in nature and they can help you out from any unexpected situation at any point of time.

You can get in touch with a Coldfusion web development company who can help you build coldfusion web app within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide Coldfusion programming services. If you would like to hire Coldfusion programmers for your web development needs, please contact Mindfire Solutions.

Discover easy ways of developing software with ColdFusion

To meet the expectations of future demand of web industry, many languages has come up into the industry in past few years like PHP, ASP, JSP, Python etc. ColdFusion is one such attempt from Adobe to develop enterprise standard web applications using CFML language. Well, much use ColdFusion as a language but the fact is it’s a framework build in CFML language. Since it is a framework, we can expect tremendous efficiency from the framework in developing quick web solutions. Let us know few ways to develop enterprise standard web solutions in ColdFusion.

Naming convention is must: This is the fundamental rule for any application. A good developer must follow all the naming conventions for different components of the web application program like variables, method name, class name etc. This will improve the readability of the application at the same time this will also decrease the maintenance cost of the application. It also affects the debugging process to a large extend and also it determines the fate of the application in long run; because, a well written and readable code can be well maintained by any developer or farm in the latter stage of its life.

Take the help of Sessions, Cookie etc: As a good ColdFusion web developer, you must ensure there is proper use of sessions and cookies in the application. Sessions are to keep the user’s data private to the browser that will definitely give a privileged feeling to the user. It also improves the user experience as a whole. Moreover, it helps in providing appropriate data to the end user depending on their browsing history that will definitely give awesome experience to the user. So a web developer must implement Session and cookies in its application.

Make your app to detect the devices: Yes, in modern era, there are lots of devices used for browsing purpose like mobiles, smart phone, tablet and desktop etc. So, we must provide similar experience to all audience of our application so that it will get good response from every angle. To achieve the same, we should detect the device from which the request is being served so that, we can modify our web application accordingly for better user experience.

Implement HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery for your app: HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery are the three virtual pillars of a successful web application of modern web industry. This trio are must for any responsive web application. It will ensure that your ColdFusion application will not break under any circumstances like small screen size or resolution like that of smart phones and tablets. So, as a ColdFusion programming developer you should implement these technologies to make better web applications in a seamless manner.

Cache management for efficient software development: Last but not the least; a good ColdFusion web developer must take the advantage of cache memory in developing enterprise standard web solution that is not only efficient but also effective. You can impart a smooth and hassle free user experience through the efficient management of cache memory in your application.

If you would like to hire Coldfusion developers for your web development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions. We provide Coldfusion web development services.

Things to consider while migrating to newest version in ColdFusion

ColdFusion 10 is the latest update from Adobe Systems. The new version is a server side development platform for the company. The main USP of this new version is that it enables the coders to develop web applications that are more dynamic. In fact, the latest one helps in developing applications that are more interactive as well as mobile functional. Keeping in sync with the demands of the new age, the ColdFusion 10 is easy to control. It helps in cutting down the development time. In an age where applications are in high demand, time plays an important role. Tools like these are of immense help when they save time in the development processes.

There are several components that you need to consider if you are planning to migrate to the latest version. The big question that lies ahead is why will you migrate at all to the newest ColdFusion version? There are loads of enhanced features including HTML5, better security, etc. For developers it has become easier to build smarter solutions as well as improve the productivity of the website. They can also utilize it to strengthen the encryption as well as authenticate the various techniques that can be employed for website projects requiring a robust security concerns.

Why migrate to ColdFusion 10?

If you are working with ColdFusion 9 there is every reason why you should look forward to the upgradation. There are a host of benefits including the fact that the learning curve is a short one. Moreover, the new one offers better integration when it comes to the other web applications. If you are pining for the futuristic technologies, you just cannot ignore ColdFusion 10. The features present in it enable the developers to create high performing apps offering an outstanding user experience. As a user one will have an improved control over the apps. Moreover it becomes easier to deploy the same as the smart features integrated by Adobe take deal with the complex codes with ease.

Here’s a list of 5 features that must be taken into consideration while migrating to newest ColdFusion version –

Tomcat Application

This ranks as the latest release in the Apache Tomcat application. This feature has actually replaced Adobe JRun that was present in the previous version. Owing to this new feature, the ColdFusion developers can now keep themselves ahead about the latest updates on the web security standards. The nifty cache tool is instrumental in saving time.

HTML5

If you are into application development, you just cannot look beyond HTML5. Whether it is about integrating social networking or online games or even ecommerce solutions, the web socket from HTML5 seems irreplaceable.

Improved Security

With so many handheld devices ruling the world security is definitely an issue. For website developers it is essential to look out for the better security. ColdFusion 10 helps the developers better with this. By upgrading it, the servers can be secured in abetter way as well as put the virus attacks at bay.

Mobile Development

With the mobile devices taking the world by storm, how can you ignore mobile development? ColdFusion 10 makes it easier for the programmers to build the tools that will help in developing better HTTP methods.

Improving the language

The developers working with this tool can ensure faster work as well as better efficiency. The entire project can be completed at a faster pace and it becomes more manageable. Otherwise the large amounts of codes can actually take a toll on the development time.

Although there might be problems or shortcomings with the latest version but, as of now, it definitely meets the requirements of the developers. Anyone who is looking forward to a reliable and usable web application, this version is just perfect. . You can get in touch with a custom ColdFusion web development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

We provide ColdFusion migration services. If you would like to hire a ColdFusion developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

Handy tools for ColdFusion developers

ColdFusion is a framework which was developed by Jeremy Allaire and J J Allaire in 1995. But in 2005 it was taken over by Adobe. From then with few enhancements in the framework it is now well known being a powerful framework for web development process. Well many times we see people using ColdFusion term as a language. But the fact is it is a framework which is developed in the language CFML. Since it is a framework, we can expect futuristic features for the web developers which will definitely decrease the effort for developing enterprise standard web applications in less time and more accuracy. Moreover, it has already a good track record of around one decade which indicates its efficiency and reliability in the industry. There are many modules, features and plugins for the ColdFusion framework which will help the ColdFusion developers in developing quick websites with all modern amenities. Let us have a quick look over few important tools which can be integrated with the framework to make it even powerful and efficient.

Blogging tools: In recent period, there is an overnight popularity of different blogging websites among the users. Blogs help the users to be updated and gives knowledge on different sectors. Many frameworks are totally dedicated for blogging purpose like Google’s Blogspot, WordPress blogger etc. Similarly, for ColdFusion developers there are many blogging tools like 1SSblog from ED Tabara, blog CFC from Ray Camden, Mango (A sweet ColdFusion Blog Engine) of asFusion and MyBlog from Gurpreet Singh Randhawa etc. All these tools are dedicated for developing quick blog websites for the ColdFusion developers.

CFML code formatting tool: There are many code formatting tools available for the ColdFusion developers which can be integrated to the framework. It will help the web developers writing proper indented codes in the IDE. Code chameleon is one such tool which can be used to format the CFML codes on the ColdFusion framework. It has features like dreamweaver and HTML formatter which makes the coldfusion developer in writing easy and readable codes in CFML.

CFML Code generators: In website development process, code generator tool has a tremendous popularity among the web developers because it not only helps in developing quick web applications but at the same time it ensures the quality of the application. Moreover, it decreases the development time of the application to a significant level. Few code generation tools for CFML are ColdFusion application generator, CFCBlaster, CFProperty, CodeCharge, ColdDuck, ColdFusion Builder and Complete CRUD Code Generator etc.

CFML debugging tools: Web developers must be acquainted with debugging tools in order to debug his code base. This is extremely helpful while debugging a large web application using different features like break point, browser debugging etc. Some of these CFML debugging tools are CF – Fire logger, CF no debug, CF watcher, Fusion debug etc.

Caching tool: Cache management is a must concept while developing any web applications. The web developer must learn how to optimise his web application in order to provide hassle less browsing experience to the end user. All these can be possible by proper management of cache for any HTTP calls. Few caching tools for ColdFusion developers are cache box, cache management, CF_ accelerate, CF_turbo cache, Fusecache, Scopecache etc. You can get in touch with a custom ColdFusion Programming company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

We provide ColdFusion application development services. If you would like to hire ColdFusion developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

How good is Software Development Using ColdFusion 11?

Software development, including development of websites as well as web based applications with the help of ColdFusion 11 has got a number of advantages from the developers’ point of view. In fact, the professionals who deal with ColdFusion 11 can enjoy a fair amount of advantage, particularly when it comes to development of web based applications that are highly effective.

The specialty of this ColdFusion version is that there is no need of any wide-ranging coding like what is needed in JSP, PHP, and ASP applications. It is, thus, extremely easy to use, and also comes up with a high run time performance. Besides, it is highly dependable, and this is one of the main reasons why it is always better to use ColdFusion 11 for software development. In fact, at present it is one of the most adorable as well as sought after choices when it comes to software development. Again, the version 11 is particularly preferred by the CF programming professionals as well as development specialists. This version is capable of quickly producing web based apps that are dynamic and are rich in advanced functionality, along with a string of value added features.

Recent upgrades of CF have resulted in the incorporation of a string of innovative features that have significantly raised the levels as well as quality of functionality along with the scalability of the applications. With the use of the CF version 11, the users will also find it much easier while integrating CF with other IT environments and the domains thereof. One of the most useful features that make it highly effective in software development is that it offers a web app server with the capacity to work across a variety of platforms. This is a very important aspect as it permits the owners of the sites to maintain a stability level of their already-existing applications. It also offers a sustainable, definitive, as well as a stable framework for various applications that allows a developer to come up with additional applications whenever required for the existing applications. Also version 11 of CF has the ability of integrating web pages with the databases with the help of a wide variety of tools that is customary of every ColdFusion version.

ColdFusion 11 is indeed a fantastic application that can be used for managing a significant extent of information, like customer information database. A CF programmer has the leverage of tracking the projects and providing back-end support. CF11 offers the option of easily managing the database with the use of a single interface, which maintains data integrity within an environment that is safe and secured.

Particularly, when it comes to CF version 11, it comes up with Ajax framework, with the help of which, users are able to access various elements of the user interface like tree controls and rich text editors. Also, by using CF version 11, users are able to apply remote or local .NET objects with their already existing applications. In fact, using CF 11 is indeed a sound as well a wise choice for a number of site owners.

ColdFusion 11 also enables development of mobile applications by using PhoneGap, CFML, and HTML5 and for that there is no need to have any extensive knowledge about PhoneGap whatsoever, Even any lack of familiarity with PhoneGap APIs or the development model thereof will also not make much of a difference. Just some knowledge of ColdFusion based APIs designed for mobile device, which summarizes up the concept of singular or multiple corresponding PhoneGap APIs will be more than enough.

ColdFusion11 also offers extensive supports to the client-side CFML. It actually is a code that performs within a browser. The concept is different from its server-side counterpart, which essentially is mainly compiled and executed on a server for generating the desired HTML output, which is subsequently sent to a browser.

Thus, when it comes to the development of website applications with the use of ColdFusion 11, the advantages are diverse. The only thing that is needed is using the application with some common sense along with some professionalism to bring the best out of it. 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 application development. If you would like to hire ColdFusion web developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

Why do Start-Ups Use ColdFusion for Development?

Normally, small companies and startups use open source technologies to curtail project overheads. But many reports have highlighted the huge popularity of ColdFusion among startups despite being a commercial rapid web development platform. Adobe has released ColdFusion 11 with features and tools required to create both mobile and web applications by using a single platform.

The most recent version of ColdFusion comes with several new features to facilitate the development, debugging, testing and deployment of applications. So the small and startup companies are using the commercial rapid web development platform to beat competition by delivering high-performing and scalable applications within a stipulated span of time.

What Makes ColdFusion Popular among Small Companies and Startups?

Easy to Learn

The startup companies often develop web application with inexperienced programmers. The businesses look for simple and easy-to-learn web development frameworks. Like HTML, ColdFusion allows developers to create applications using tags. The ColdFusion tags seem like extensions of normal HTML tags. So the programmers familiar with HTML can learn and use the platform without putting any extra time and effort.

CFML Scripting Language

ColdFusion also allows programmers to use a distich scripting language know as ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML). The scripting language runs on .NET framework, JVM and Google App Engine. Like JavaScript, CFML can also be put between tags. The CFML scripting makes it easier for programmers to create complex and large applications without writing longer lines of code.

Support for HTML5

Within a short span of time, HTML5 has becomes an integral part of modern web development projects. ColdFusion 11 comes with several HTML5 enhancements. It allows developers to use both Adobe Flash player and HTML5 video player. The developers also have option to optimize the application’s performance by using HTML5 web sockets. So the programmers can now use HTML5 extensively to make the web applications compatible with all major operating systems and web browsers.

Additional Test Server Not Required

Adobe has designed the ColdFusion 11 Enterprise edition with all the features required to create and deploy both web and mobile applications. So the programmers can now use a single platform to develop scalable and high-performing applications. Once the application is developed, it can be used with web servers like IIS or Apache. The programmers can write scripts by using the application itself as the web server. So the startup companies are not required to invest in additional test servers.

Option to Integrate with Other Technologies

Nowadays, each internet application needs to be integrated with third party applications and APIs. While developing applications with ColdFusion, the programmers have option to integrate it with other Macromedia products. For instance, they can use Dreamweaver to design the web pages, and ColdFusion for scripting. The ColdFusion code can be inserted into the Dreamweaver files without any hassle. Likewise, they can use the built-in editor to modify the code in a quick and easy way. The integration makes it easier for startups to curtail the overall development time and efforts.

Customize the Application’s Look for Multiple Devices

An internet application is nowadays being accessed on a wide variety of devices. So the programmers often find it daunting to optimize the look and feel of the application across multiple devices. But ColdFusion 11 uses the built-in Weinre server to make it easier for developers to inspect the application’s look and feel across different devices. Further, the programmers can use ColdFusion Builder to customize the application’s look simply by modifying the properties of elements.

Adobe further allows the startups to use the standard, enterprise or developer edition of ColdFusion. So it becomes easier for businesses to pick the right edition of the commercial web development platform according to the needs of their project. But each edition of the platform helps startups in developing high-performing and scalable applications without deploying additional resources. You can get in touch with a custom ColdFusion web 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 web developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

ColdFusion Editors – Types and Features

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.

Is ColdFusion the Most Secure Programming Language – A Developer’s Perspective

As a tag-based programming language, ColdFusion is used widely by programmers to rapidly create web application. The programming language is also hugely popular among Java developers due to its effectiveness in reducing development time and efforts. Unlike other popular web programming languages, ColdFusion allows programmers to build complex internet and intranet programs without writing additional and lengthy code.

WhiteHat Security, an application security provider, recently assessed over 30,000 websites “to measure how the underlying programming languages and frameworks perform in the field.” According to the Website Security Statistics Report released recently by WhiteHat Security, “ColdFusion was found to have the fewest with an average of 6 vulnerabilities per slot.” Thus, ColdFusion beats other widely used web technologies like .Net, Java, ASP, PHP and Perl in terms of average vulnerabilities per slot. However, the developers still need to address a number of security issues while creating ColdFusion applications.

 

Security Issues Developers Must Address while Building ColdFusion Applications

 

Cross-Site Scripting

Most web applications are prone to cross-site scripting attacks. As ColdFusion is used widely for web development, it becomes essential for programmers to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS). The attackers take advantage of XSS to inject client-side scripts into the web pages. Also, the XSS vulnerability can be used by attackers to bypass access control. So XSS can have a huge impact on the sensitive data handled by the ColdFusion applications.

 

SQL Injection

Like XSS, SQL injection can also affect sensitive data handled by the ColdFusion applications negatively. The attackers use the options to receive input from clients to insert or inject SQL scripts. Once the SQL injection is done successfully, the script can read sensitive data from the database, manipulate the database, and execute database administration operations. However, the programmers have several options to secure the ColdFusion application from SQL injection attack.

 

Un-validated Browser Input

The programmers can further optimize the security of their ColdFusion applications by validating the browser input. When the browser input is not validated properly, it becomes easier for attackers to carry out SQL injection and XSS attacks. The web programmers have several options to validate the browser input without writing any complex code. Also, the browser input validation must be included as an integral part of the software testing plan. The browser input must be validated at both development and evaluation stage to create a secure ColdFusion application.

 

Abuse of Functionality

Normally, the features and functionality of a web application is decided by keeping in mind its usage. But there are always chances that some of these functionalities can be abused by attackers. The attack technique can be defined as misusing the intended functionality of a web application to generate undesirable action or outcome. Along with leaking information and consuming additional resources, abuse of functionality can destroy access control. However, the extent and impact of such attacks vary from one application to another. The programmers must evaluate the features and functionality of the ColdFusion application, and impose restriction to prevent them from being abused.

 

Complexity of Code

Nowadays, developers integrate web applications with third-party applications and services to deliver richer user experience. So they often have to write complex code to make the integration seamless. Sometimes the complex nature of the code affects the application’s overall security negatively. The loopholes in the third-party applications also make it easier for attackers to attack the ColdFusion application. So each application must be tested comprehensively to eliminate the chances of security threats.

 

The report released by WhiteHat Security also highlighted that there is a direct link between the average vulnerabilities per slot and volume of the language in the field. As ColdFusion does not have a substantial volume of the language in the field, it becomes less susceptible to security threat in comparison to other widely used technologies like Java, ASP and .Net. You can get in touch with a coldfusion web application 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 expert coldfusion developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.