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.

ColdFusion Web Hosting Benefits for E-Commerce Sites

Many developers rely on ColdFusion to create and deploy dynamic and rich internet applications within a short span of time. A constant increase is also noted in the number of businesses hosting their ecommerce applications through ColdFusion hosting. As ColdFusion is developed based on certified Java J2EE platform, the technology is effective in making enterprise applications fast, portable and scalable.

At the same time, ColdFusion is also compatible with a wide range of platforms and web servers. Along with platforms like Windows, Solaris and HP-UX, it is also compatible with web servers like IIS, Apache and NSAPI. So the businesses can easily enhance the compatibility and accessibility of the ecommerce application by opting for ColdFusion hosting.

Why ColdFusion Hosting is the Best Options to Host Ecommerce Sites?

Dynamic Hosting Services: Normally, the ecommerce sites are more complex than other web applications. Further, the ecommerce portal needs to support heavy traffic on a regular basis. To deliver richer user experience, it must allow visitors to browse through the products, add products to the shopping cart, place order and make payment without any hassle or delay. So the commerce websites needs special hosting service that supports many features and services required for delivering impressive user experience. The dynamic nature of ColdFusion hosting makes the ecommerce portal deliver richer user experience despite heavy traffic.

Effective in Building and Deploying Ecommerce Portals: An enterprise has option to rapidly build and deploy ecommerce websites using ColdFusion. As ColdFusion is more versatile than other website hosting options, it supports the innovative features of the ecommerce site, along with the third-party services integrated with it. An enterprise can further use ColdFusion to gather the data, information and resources required for creating and implementing a business plan. ColdFusion can generate client email lists and business reports to help businesses in getting more online sales and inquiries.

Direct Communication with Business Accounting Software: ColdFusion web hosting further allows businesses to communicate directly with business accounting software. The business accounting software applications helps entrepreneurs in monitoring their sales and expenses by generating a variety of reports. The entrepreneurs also have option to communicate directly with clients and vendors by accessing their profiles. So the business can easily implement a marketing plan to track its website visitors, and convert the inquiries into sales.

Allow Personalization of Web Stores: An ecommerce website must deliver personalized experience to keep the visitors engaged and seduce them to buy the products. Businesses often explore options to personalize certain aspects of their ecommerce portals. ColdFusion makes it easier for businesses to personalize certain elements of the website. The ecommerce site can be personalized to allow customer to generate wish lists, recheck order history, verify order status and reorder products. Also, the extremely flexible database can be used to notify customers about the new products and promotional offers.

Supports Multiple Payment Gateways: The ecommerce site can always deliver richer user experience by allowing customers to choose from several payment options. As a customer can pay for the products in a number of ways, the web store needs to be integrated with as many payment gateways as possible. ColdFusion web hosting enables enterprises to allow customers to pay through some widely used payment gateways including Google Checkout, PayPal Express Checkout, PayPal Direct Payments, PayPal Payflow Pro, Click2Pay, PlugnPay and YourPay. It further makes the credit card transaction secure by using CVV2 and AVS verification. Thus, it becomes easier for customers to pay for the products in a flexible and secure way.

The growing popularity of ColdFusion hosting has encouraged many hosting services providers to offer ColdFusion hosting plans. Some companies even provide ColdFusion hosting along with other Cloud-based hosting products. So it becomes easier for businesses to choose a hosting plan to optimize the performance of their ecommerce portals. You can get in touch with a coldfusion 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 programmer 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.

Why to Use ColdFusion Builder when Developing Applications?

To develop rich applications rapidly, many developers rely on ColdFusion. Adobe has further launched ColdFusion Builder to make it easier for programmers to build complex mobile applications in a quicker and more efficient way. The Eclipse-based development IDE can be used by developers to create, debug, test and deploy a variety of mobile applications across different mobile platforms and devices. Adobe has further updated ColdFusion Builder 3 with a set of features to support the end-to-end workflow of mobile app developers.

What Makes ColdFusion Builder 3 Essential for Mobile Application Development

Easy to Install: As ColdFusion Builder is an Eclipse development IDE it can be installed either as a plugin or standalone application. If Eclipse is already set up on your system, you can opt for the plugin version of ColdFusion Builder. On the other hand, the standalone application will create a packaged version of ColdFusion Builder that includes Eclipse. Based on your needs, you can decide the most appropriate way to install and use the development IDE.

Cross-Platform Mobile App Development: Nowadays, most companies plan to build apps by targeting multiple mobile devices and platforms to get higher returns. But programmers have to write lengthy and complex code to optimize the look and feel of the mobile apps across different platforms. But ColdFusion Builder makes it easier for them to build mobile apps that run seamlessly on Android and iOS. Adobe has further integrated PhoneGap Build in the IDE to help developers in delivering the code as installed apps.

On-Device Debugging: The programmers have further option to identify and fix the bugs, errors and flaws in a mobile application by using the on-device debugging feature of ColdFusion Builder. The feature enables them to check both browser-based mobile applications and installed mobile apps. The actual usage of the mobile application can also be simulated by connecting a mobile device to the IDE remotely.

Inspect the Look and Feel of the App across Multiple Devices: To make a mobile app compatible with multiple platforms, developers have to modify its overall look and feel on several devices. ColdFusion Builder comes with the built-in Weinre server to make it easier for programmers to inspect the look and feel of an app on multiple devices. Further, they can use the IDE to modify the properties of required element, while monitoring the changes in real time.

Smart Code Refactoring: Often mobile app developers have to restructure their code while renaming a function, variable or CFC. ColdFusion Builder makes it easier for developers to speed up the CFML application development by restructuring the code automatically. The IDE further identifies the required attributes of each tag, and use the tag editor to assign values. The feature makes it easier for programmers to maintain their existing code, while minimizing coding errors.

Intelligent Coding Option: The ColdFusion Builder 3 also provides code assist for HTML, JavaScript, CSS, CFScript and CFML. The programmers can further avail ordered code assist for the third-party JavaScript libraries that are included in the application to enhance its performance. They also have option to get intelligent coding options for HTML, JavaScript, CSS, data tables, user-defined functions and ColdFusion components. The intelligent coding assistance makes it easier for novice web application developers to switch from their existing IDEs to ColdFusion Builder within a shorter span of time.

Before migrating to the Eclipse-based development IDE, programmers have option to download and use the trial version of ColdFusion Builder 3 for 60 days. So it becomes easier for enterprises to evaluate the pros and cons of ColdFusion Builder according to specific needs of their mobile application development project.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 web developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

How Can Coldfusion Builder 3 Give You A Better Experience With Coldfusion 11?

Thanks to a series of value added features, Coldfusion Builder 3 provides a much better experience with Coldfusion 11. Let us discuss the highlights of ColdFusion 3 as well as 11.

WorkFlow of Mobile Application Development

CF 11 along with CF Builder 3 provides the users a very distinctive end-to-end workflow, when it comes to development of mobile applications. It addresses all the challenges and takes care of the issues that crop up while building, deploying or debugging various enterprise class apps – both installed as well as web based mobile applications.

Enhancement or development of languages

Version 11 of CF comes up with a series of language enhancements along with a wide range of value added features that can be termed as full CFSCRIPT support, JSON enhancements and support for the Member Functions.

PDF Functionality

Version 11 of CF is available with a new HTML engine and the option of PDF conversion that converts HTML/CSS to their corresponding PDFs in a seamless as well as perfect way. Besides, CFPDF comes up with some additional functionality for supporting various digital signatures along with archiving PDFs.

Security

CF 11 also features an in build mechanism, that stops the access to the Administrator and its components from any external access. Besides, it also has certain value added functions that prevent XSS and in the process, help simultaneous logins from different locations through CFLOGIN. Besides, it is also compatible with mail encryption with the help of CFMAIL.

Again, CF 3 when gets bundled with version 11, takes the form of a bundled copy of CF Builder 3. Again, CF documentation is much similar to and in line with the concept of writing similar codes in other languages, namely JavaScript. Besides, it also comes up with support for map() along with the reduce() functionality to various structures, arrays, lists etc. in Adobe CFML. Map() as well as reduce() is extremely important when we talk about expressive programming in JS as well as across other big idea tools. Again, when so far as programming using functional style is concerned, map() and reduce() are the most vital tools that will come in handy to achieve that objective.

Version 11 of CF has really enhanced the performance of the version 3. The IDE starts as well as complete all the Eclipse based setups within a matter of a few seconds –that means, much faster than under Builder 2.

CF version 11 is also available with the capacity of building applications more quickly. It works more quickly as well as aptly with the full support of CFSCRIPT, social login integration along with some other language enhancements. It also generates high end PDF files from the HTML pages and manipulates them in an extensive way. It also archives these files as self contained records or documents.

The version 11 is also compatible with mobile technology, allowing maximum CFML expertise along with skills. This also gives the liberty of supercharging the workflow of mobile applications with the use of using unique debugging as well as multiple device capabilities.

It is also extremely easy to deploy and thus it makes the server more secured as well as safe, with the use of new functions that are designed for sanitizing the user input and restricting the default remote access to the administrative portal.

It also helps in Tomcat integration, improved caching, along with improved MS Office integration, for making sure that the applications run faster and without the need to change any of the codes whatsoever.

With all these value added features, ColdFusion 11 enhances the functionality of its version 3, thereby giving the end users a much better experience, making the platform much adorable as well as more popular amongst the end users. 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 expert coldfusion developers for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

Ways to Optimize Your ColdFusion Application

When it comes to optimization of ColdFusion application, there are quite a variety of processes that can be followed. ColdFusion optimization mostly follows a process that includes a proper development as well as coding practices. For instance, a good database usage or design is one of the most significant contributors of effective ColdFusion applications.

Performance is an extremely essential feature of a server or application and things are no different in case of ColdFusion. For internet based applications, it is important that a huge number of users are able to access it, for that is what will evaluate the performance metrics of the application at the end of the day. When we speak about ColdFusion, it is a language as well as a server, and that is the reason, there are a number of approaches that can be taken to improve its performance.

Technically speaking, there are basically three sectors that can be tuned in so as to improve or optimize ColdFusion application. They are:

• Java Virtual Machine or JVM parameters
• Administrator settings
• Coding the best practices

Now let us look into these thee parameters in fairly details.

Tuning the performance by using the JVM Parameters

ColdFusion is actually based on J2EE platform and hence, JVM parameters are the best, when it comes to tuning or optimizing its performance. In fact, version 10 of the application by default comes up with Java Run Time Environment or JRE version 1.6.

Again, Sun JVM is compatible with a number of arguments that are used for optimizing or tuning the performance, alter debugging and change the fundamental behaviors.

Tools for measuring the performance

When it comes to measuring or evaluating the performance of the ColdFusion application, one of the most tried and tested tools is GCViewer. It helps to collect the garbage collection profiles and evaluate various metrics like heap size, frequency, pauses and so on. Another tool that comes in handy for evaluating the end to end performance is the freeware JMeter software from Apache.

Again, ColdFusion administrator also is an excellent option that can be used to evaluate the performance. However, it depends upon certain issues like the amount of load, number of involved CPUs and last but not the least, on the very application itself.

Another highly effective way of optimizing the performance of the ColdFusion application is disabling the debugging process. It does not mean simply turning off all the IP addresses that are assigned for debugging. The process needs to be turned off completely. This is a tried and tested method and it is seen that turning off the debugging process significantly increases the activities by many folds.

Another way to boost up the speed is using bind variables. In CF, this can be accomplished with the use of <cfqueryparam>tags in the SQL statements. Besides being secured, it is faster as well.

The latest CFMX and the Java versions come up with certain server settings that can well be adjusted for optimizing the activities. The settings page of CF administrator comes up with a setting for the maximum simultaneous requests. One needs to adjust the value depending upon the specific server as well as the application. If the value is too low, then the requests will start queuing up, thereby slowing the proceedings down. Again, if the value is too high, the CPU will start getting bogged down in its effort to process too many numbers of threads simultaneously.

Most of the optimizing methods of CF involve a better development as well as coding practices. Proper database designing along with usage is some of the prime contributors when it comes to optimizing the performance.

Two most important CF MX tools for optimizing ColdFusion are cfstoredproctag and cfquerytagwith cached Withinattribute.

One of the primary reasons behind the slowing down of the CF is incorrect as well as poor database designing and usage. Hence these methods need to be followed in an efficient way for optimizing the activities of CF. You can get in touch with a ColdFusion web development 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.