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.

5 Reasons Why Startups Specifically Use ColdFusion?

Unlike established software development companies, the startups have to develop projects with limited resources. Many startups also look for a rapid web application development platform that is familiar to their developers. When the developers of a company have already experience in building robust web applications using a specific framework, it becomes easier for them to develop new websites without putting any extra time and effort. However, some widely used rapid web development platforms like Adobe ColdFusion can complement business process and budget of new software development companies.

According to its needs, the company can choose from the developer, standard and enterprise editions of ColdFusion 10. At the same time, latest version of the framework also comes with a set of innovative features to easily build a variety of websites, internet applications and web services. Also, some of these features help small companies to keep the cost of software development project under control. If you are evaluating rapid web development platforms for your startup, it is time to understand why ColdFusion is used specifically by startups.

5 Reasons Why ColdFusion is Widely Used by Startup Companies

• Easy to Build Robust Web Applications: Often a startup company has to develop web and mobile apps with limited resources. As it can afford to deploy only a small team, it becomes essential for the company to divide time and resources properly to build, implement and market the application. ColdFusion comes with a set of features that help startups in completing projects in a faster and cheaper way. The developer can avail these advanced features to work seamlessly with mail, spreadsheets, databases, PDFs, PDF forms, presentations, SharePoint and full text search. The features make it easier for developers to build interactive websites without writing lengthy code.

• Several Good IDEs: ColdFusion further come with a set of good IDEs, open source libraries and projects. So the web application developer has option to pick the right IDE according to his skill and experience. Along with Eclipse based IDEs like CFEclipse and ColdFusion Builder, the developer can also use some of the popular IDEs like Coda, Dreamweaver, Textmate and IntellijIDEA. Similar to the IDEs, the programmers also have options to use a variety of open source ColdFusion frameworks like Model View Controller (MVC) frameworks, unit testing frameworks, and dependency injection/inversion of control frameworks. The pre-built tools provided by the IDEs and frameworks help programmers in building powerful web applications at a rapid pace.
  
  
• Scalable Enough to Handle Heavy Load: While developing a website, programmers often look for efficient ways to boost its performance by handling heavy load. The scalability of a system depends on a number of factors including user interface tuning, database tuning and the right caching system. Similar to other dynamically typed languages, ColdFusion is also scalable enough to handle heavy load. The feature of the web application development platform further makes it easier for developers to check the system scalability. ColdFusion is designed with built in ehCache integration that allows developers to work with clustered caches in a simple and straightforward way to optimize the performance of the website.
  
  
• Seamless Integration with Client’s Existing System: Along with developing new website and web applications, startup companies also have to integrate the software into the existing system of clients. As the type of software and systems used by clients vary, the software developers have to choose a framework that can be integrated with other technologies seamlessly. Also, the startup company needs to ensure that the integration will not require additional investment. ColdFusion supports a wide variety of technologies including XML, SOAP, .NET assemblies, RESTful web services, Java objects, PDF forms and SMS gateways. As ColdFusion objects are configured with remote access options, they can be published automatically as SOAP pr JSON resources to make it simpler to work with APIs.

• Boost the Performance of Web and Mobile Applications: The updated version of ColdFusion is designed with built-in support for HTML5 and RESTful web services, Tomcat integration, and enhanced caching. These features make it easier for programmers to optimize the performance of their web application without putting any extra effort. Further, the programmer can avail the advantages of Hotfix installer and scheduler to make their websites secure by using advance encryption and authentication techniques. At the same time, the HTML5 support enables them to optimize user experience by designing web applications with video player, interactive charting, web sockets and geo-tagging.

On the whole, ColdFusion 10 comes with loads of features to make the requirements of both established and startup companies. The innovative features help startups to leverage ColdFusion web development tools to build rich web applications for clients while meeting the latest web 2.0 trends. Along with reducing the amount of time and efforts required to complete the project, the ColdFusion is also effective in controlling the project cost and overheads.

We provide ColdFusion application development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert ColdFusion programmers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

ColdFusion Offers Seamless Integration with HTML5

As the new standard for HTML, HTML5 elements and APIs are supported by major web browsers. HTML5 is designed with a set of features based on HTML, JavaScript, CSS and DOM. Along with reducing the need for external plug-ins, replacing script with markups, and handling errors effectively, the technology is also designed as device independent. Many developers have already started using HTML5 to build web2.0 websites and web applications. The growing popularity of the new standard has encouraged many companies to upgrade their web application development platforms with seamless integration with HTML5.

Adobe launched ColdFusion 10 with full support for HTML. The support will make it easier for developers to build variety of web application that offers richer user experience. The feature can also be used by programmers without having any prior HTML5 knowledge and experience. In addition to developing new websites and web applications, the support further enables developers to optimize the performance of existing websites without rewriting the code. The upgraded version of ColdFusion also comes with a set of innovative features that helps programmers in building web applications regardless of the type of device used by the end-users.

Optimizing User Experience with In-Built Support Extended by ColdFusion for HTML5

HTML5 Charting: Most websites are, nowadays, being developed with client-side charts. The client-side charts are also effective in making a website more interactive and dynamic. But the programmers often have to write longer lines of code to customize the charts. ColdFusion 10 makes it simpler for developers to implement client-side HTML5 charts without writing lengthy codes. They can choose from a large collection of charts, and implement these simply by using the built-in CFCHART tag. The charts can further be customized to meet the specific requirements of each website. At the same time, the features also enable programmers to include the charts designed using Adobe Flash Technology.

HTML5 Web Sockets: As each user has options to choose from a range of websites and web application, he often opts for a website that provides the latest and updated information. So it has becomes essential for developers to impress users by generating real-time server response. But programmers have to put some amount of time and effort to publish data to multiple clients, and generate real-time server response. With the built-in support for HTML5 web sockets, ColdFusion 10 has made it easier for programmers to push data point-to-point or publish data simultaneously to multiple clients through real-time server response. Also, a programmer can use the messaging without having any prior knowledge of the protocol.

HTML5 Video Player: Along with providing the latest and most relevant information, the web application also needs to impress users by presenting the data in an impressive way. In comparison to textual content and images, video clips are more effective in communication a message in a stylish and impressive way. But developers often find it a daunting challenge to include video clips to target the web browsers that do not support HTML5. ColdFusion 10 allows programmers to design web applications using both HTML5 video player and Adobe Flash player. The updated version also offer a set of well-defined APIs to ensure that the website optimize the user experience consistently, irrespective of their choice of web browser.

Optimizing Existing Websites: In addition to developing new application using ColdFusion 10, you can also avail the HTML5 advantages to optimize the performance of the existing website. Also, the new features can be included in your existing web application without writing any additional code. For instance, you can use HTML5 web sockets to make the websites interactive by integrating a live chat option. The web application can also use features like built-in email management and scheduled tasks to provide dynamic data to the users based on the parameters received from them.

Along with built-in support for HTML, ColdFusion 10 also comes with enhanced support for languages, web services and security. Adobe has further included the built-in Tomcat application server to enable the web applications to deliver rich user experience on a consistent basis. Coldfusion development services teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

If you want to hire a coldfusion programmer for your coldfusion web development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions. 

Why develop websites with ColdFusion?

Each company wants to develop powerful, compelling and dynamic websites at a rapid pace. Many companies also like to use rapid web application development technologies that are portable, scalable and fast. As a rapid web application development platform, ColdFusion allows developers to build a variety of websites without putting any extra time and effort. Based on the requirements of the project, ColdFusion can be used a programming language as well as an application server. Adobe has further released ColdFusion 10 with a set of innovative features to meet the latest trends in website and internet application development.

Why Develop Websites with ColdFusion 10?

Rapid Web Application Development

The constant changes in technology and user choices have made web application development both complex and competitive. Most companies, nowadays, look for options to build robust applications without investing any extra resources. As a powerful application server, ColdFusion allows developers to build high quality and customized websites and web applications at a rapid rate. Unlike other programming languages, ColdFusion does not require programmers to write lengthy and complex codes. So the programmers can build dynamic and robust websites without taking any extra time.

Efficient Data Management

Each website has to manage a large amount of information to meet the varying demand of users. For instance, most internet applications have to store, access, edit and update customer information stored on several databases. ColdFusion provides a single interface to developers to manage all their back-end support and databases. Further, the interface also allows them to track certain projects, and maintain data integrity in a secure environment. The feature makes ColdFusion suitable for developing a variety of websites that need dynamic information on a regular basis.

Seamless Integration with IT Environments

The performance of a web application depends on the way it is integrated with other IT environments. ColdFusion offers a web application server that work seamlessly on major platforms. The web application server helps developers to maintain stability for their existing applications. At the same time, a developer also has options to include additional applications into existing ColdFusion websites by using a simple framework. ColdFusion also offers a set of tools that helps programmers in integrating a variety of databases and web pages at a rapid pace.

Built-In Support for HTML5

HTML5 is commonly used by programmers to build a wide range of robust and interactive applications. ColdFusion is designed with built-in support for the HTML5 WebSockets, which makes it easier for developers to publish data to several clients, and perform point-to-point data push with real-time server response. A developer also do not need any prior programming knowledge to access the HTML5 WebSockets instantly. Also, he can use the built-in CFCHART tag to access and implement interactive client-side HTML5 charts. The charts can further be customized easily to meet the specific requirements of the website.

Easy to Create and Publish Web Services

Most websites are now being used with web services to improve user experience. But developers have to put some extra effort to create and publish web services. The latest version of ColdFusion is designed with SOAP 1.2, WSDL 2.0 specification and document literal wrapped style. These features make it easier for developers to create and deploy a variety of web services to make the website more efficient. ColdFusion 10 is further designed with Axis 2 Web service framework that reduces the amount of time required to deploy the web services.

Option to Use AJAX

Most developers use asynchronous JavaScript and XML technology (AJAX) to make their internet applications run without any interruptions. AJAX is effective in receiving and transmitting data stored on web servers without having impact in the look and feel of the website. A programmer can incorporate AJAX in the ColdFusion web application to improve the user experience. The seamless AJAX and ColdFusion programming will surely help the developers in building a powerful website to meet the latest trends in user choices. The integration will further customize the internet application to meet specific requirements of clients.

Adobe has released ColdFusion 10 with a set of innovative features to allow developers to build websites with a higher level of flexibility and scalability. These features further make it easier for programmers to develop cross-platform application without putting any extra time and effort. ColdFusion migration to latest versions has become all the more worth.

We provide ColdFusion web development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified ColdFusion developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Embrace Futuristic Technologies with ColdFusion

Developers across the world look for easy, quick and smart ways to develop dynamic and interactive web applications. That is why; most programmers use custom tools and server-side technology to build complex, dynamic and interactive enterprise web applications without writing longer lines of code. Since its release it 2012, ColdFusion 10 has become hugely popular among developers as a Java EE-based platform to develop enterprise-ready internet applications.

Adobe has further made the latest version of ColdFusion ready to meet the current technological trends by incorporating features like enhanced support for web services and built-in support for HTML5. At the same time, ColdFusion 10 still enables programmers to build applications using CMFL. As a tag-based language, CMFL uses a syntax that is almost identical to HTML and XML.

So each programmer can easily learn the language, and start building rich internet applications within a very short timeframe. A number of features like XML processing, ColdFusion components (CFCs), integrated debugging, and Java and .NET integration makes ColdFusion 10 a powerful platform to develop a variety of dynamic websites and internet application. Adobe has further included a set of features that enables programmers to embrace futuristic technologies with ColdFusion 10.

ColdFusion Features that Allow You to Embrace New Technologies

• HTML5 WebSocket Protocol: The frequent changes in the choice of users have made it essential for developers to build web applications that work with dynamic data. Some of the conventional protocols did not allow programmers to transfer dynamic data from the server to the client. ColdFusion 10 overcomes the limitation by supporting the WebSocket protocol on the web server. You can use this features to develop robust web applications that work with dynamic data. Further, you can easily subscribe to or publish multiple channels using a messaging infrastructure built based on raw WebSockets.
• HTML5 Charting: Each developer wants to include smart client-side charts to make his web application more dynamic and interactive. The latest version of ColdFusion supports interactive client-side charts through the ColdFusion CFCHART tag. The charting facility is developed based on Flash, SVG, and Canvas. So you can use the feature to incorporate a variety of client-side charts by fetching values from a query to suit the requirements of your web application. At the same time, you also have options to customize the styles of client-side charts by using the JSON objects.
• Revamped Video Players: The popularity of a web application depends on the way it provides information to the users. In comparison to text and images, video clips are more effective in keeping the users interested and engaged. ColdFusion 10 allows web application developers to avail advantages of multiple video players using the JavaScript APIs. You can use the CFMEDIAPLAYER tag to use the built-in HTML5 video player provided by the platform. At the same time, you also have option to use the existing Flash video player with the CFMEDIAPLAYER tag. Both video players look and work in an identical way. Also, you can access the Flash and HTML5 versions of the video player using the same JavaScript APIs.
• Support for RESTful Web Services: Most developers love RESTful web services due to their simple and easy-to-use features. Further, the web services can be accessed over both HTTP and HTTPs. ColdFusion 10 supports RESTful web services that enable you to you transform your ColdFusion Component (CFC) into a RESTful Web Service simply by specifying certain attributes. You have to start the process by setting the rest attribute as true inside the CFC. Also, you have to add value to the restpath attribute to specify the path of the services to be accessed over HTTP. You can even associate a HTTP method to each function in the CFC to invoke the function as part of the web services.
• Enterprise Web Services Support through a Revamped Engine: The complex web applications often require developers to publish the web service using advanced protocols. The revamped AXIS 2 engine provided by ColdFusion 10 makes it easier for you to use the advantages of SOAP1.2, WSDL 2.0, and document literal wrapped style. You can access these advanced protocols to publish your web services based on the need of the web application. Also, Adobe has incorporated backward compatibility to the feature to support the conventional way of publishing web services.

These futuristic technologies further make it easier for developers to meet the current trends in ColdFusion application development.

We provide ColdFusion web development services. If you would like to know more about our expert ColdFusion developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

ColdFusion Web Development

To start a business online we need to design our website in a way so that it looks good, works well and conveys messages of the products well. Web Designing is a process of conceptualizing, planning and building a collection of electronic files that determine the colors, layout, text styles, structure, graphics, images and use of interactive features that deliver web pages to site visitors. And they can hold On for your website longer and return to your site time and again.

3 important things we need for an efficient and interactive website:

• It should have a high runtime performance.
• It should be secure and reliable
• It should be simple and users can understand its presence.

Today ColdFusion is a rapid application development platform made in Java J2EE and responsible for web designing providing robust environment and feature rich tools which can build excellent websites. With this technology programmers can build compelling and complex websites faster compared to other platform. As technologies used for creating websites include standardized mark-up, which could be hand-coded or generated by WYSIWYG editing software. For a good website usability should be high. It is mainly related to layout, clear instructions and labeling on a website where users can understand the message of the site. Any interactive design of the site perceives the usefulness of that website, they are more likely to continue using it This drives the trend for a more universal user experience and ease of access to accommodate as many users as possible.

ColdFusion has become the favored alternative of the world wide web programming veterans owing to the fact that it is compliant with several submission servers. ColdFusion boasts support for NSAPI, IIS as well as Apache world wide world wide web servers. It sprints easily in Windows and Solaris environment. To pack it all, ColdFusion application development supports other programming dialects including server-side Actionscript. It was initially developed by Macromedia and now trades under the brand of Adobe Inc, which is among the popular website development stages liked by the developers worldwide. The ever-growing community of website development veterans has helped it emerge as a commerce foremost in rapid-paced development sector.

Factors responsible for a good online business

• A good online website must have neat logos, layouts and buttons for the site.
• Internet marketing specialists to help maintain a web presence through strategic solutions on targeting viewers to the site, by using marketing and promotional techniques on the internet.
• SEO writers to research and recommend the correct words to be incorporated into a particular website and make the website more accessible and found on numerous search engines.
• Internet copywriter to create the written content of the page to appeal to the targeted viewers of the site.
• User experience designer incorporates aspects of user focused design considerations which include information architecture, user centered design, user testing, interaction design and occasionally visual design.

How Can Professional Web Design Help Your Online Business?

• Satisfy customers: Any professional web design should meet the requirements of customers – telling them quickly what they want to know without unnecessary and confusing design items. Making sure the navigation Web site design is consistent and easy to understand and will help you build a positive relationship with your visitors.

• Attract search engines: No matter how appealing your website design looks, it won't show up on the search engine results pages if it's not coded in a way that the search engines can read.

• Avoid technical glitches: We need to avoid confusion, wrong content, spelling errors, lengthy loading times, broken links and images are just a few of the web design issues that has to be remedied by a web design service.
• A good website must reach out to customers and search engines quickly. It gives a great impact on online sales.

ColdFusion is most often used for data-driven websites, but can also be used to generate remote services such as Flash remoting. It is especially well-suited as the server-side technology to the client-side. It can handle asynchronous events such as SMS and instant messaging via its gateway interface, available in ColdFusion MX 7 Enterprise Edition. Generate and Capture PDF Form documents, create printable documents with full page formatting control, integrate rich text-editors, deploy AJAX mechanisms, integrate .NET objects within ColdFusion Applications, display editable data grids, can easily create server data like calendars, tasks and contacts. Create On-Demand Presentations with Dynamic Data.

Crucial factors for selecting ColdFusion for any business:

• With ColdFusion programmers can build highly effective web based applications which does not require a lot of coding such as PHP, JSP and ASP based applications. The alleviate of use, high runtime presentation and its dependability are amidst the main causes why this ColdFusion is such a well liked alternative the developers.

• ColdFusion has the ability to integrate web pages and databases with the wide range of tools. This incredible array of tools can connect live data, integrate PDF files, create on-the-fly presentations, integrate with mail programs and work seamlessly with other popular web technologies, including AJAX, Flash and Flex.

• With ColdFusion more dynamic and interactive web applications can be built for enterprises using the Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform.

• It offers built-in support for HTML5 and helps boost performance using Tomcat integration and enhanced caching.

• With the new hotfix installer and scheduler, it allows enterprise developers to improve productivity, while strengthening authentication and encryption techniques to make websites more secure.

• ColdFusion is a relevant platform for every web developer for its smart built-in solutions and the core benefit of productivity.

• It can be counted as the most flexible platforms which runs on multiple server environments.

• ColdFusion web hosting meets the best security standards. It has a tight control over who has access to the database and that you can allocate permissions at a base level.

• It is easier to use because of its tools , that you need to properly manage your website. This should include access to a range of different database types, MySQL is the most common, as well as the right tools to administer those databases.

For a successful online business to run we need to make sure of high security and the back-end functionalities taken care of, This makes certain that you have the proficiency to use characteristics such as videos and functionalities to your webpages without having to add anything more to the package. ColdFusion web hosting should be bought so that you have added room to add more databases and bandwidth to accommodate growing visitors. For the development companies with ample monetary resources, ColdFusion can be the app of choice. It is perfect for hassle free and fast-paced world wide web site development with allotments of flexibility. It does arrive at a cost but the programmers can download an exceptional ‘developer version’ accessible for free and explore its potentials to create sophisticated and interactive websites which will add value to your business.

We provide coldfusion web development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert coldfusion developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.