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.
