ColdFusion

ColdFusion. It is a commercial rapid web application development platform created by Allaire Corporation in 1995 and now owned by Adobe Inc.. The platform uses its own tag-based scripting language, CFML, to integrate with various databases and generate dynamic web pages. ColdFusion is primarily used for building data-driven Internet applications and intranet systems, often integrating with technologies like SOAP and REST services.

History

The technology was originally developed by Jeremy Allaire and Joseph Allaire and first launched by Allaire Corporation in July 1995. In 2001, Allaire Corporation was acquired by Macromedia, which itself was later purchased by Adobe Inc. in 2005. Early versions were written in C++, but with the release of ColdFusion MX in 2002, the platform was completely rebuilt on the Java platform, greatly enhancing its scalability and integration capabilities. Throughout its evolution, it has competed with platforms from Microsoft, such as ASP, and open-source frameworks like PHP.

Features

A core feature is its simplified connectivity to databases, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and MySQL, using built-in tags. It provides robust server-side caching mechanisms, including object caching and query caching, to improve application performance. The platform includes built-in support for creating and consuming web services using standards like SOAP and REST, as well as generating dynamic content in formats such as PDF and Microsoft Excel. Advanced features also encompass integration with Adobe Flash, AJAX widget creation, and comprehensive administration through the ColdFusion Administrator.

Syntax and language

Applications are primarily written in CFML, a tag-based language that resembles HTML and can be intermixed with it. Scripting syntax, similar to JavaScript, was introduced in later versions, providing an alternative to tag-based development. Key language constructs include conditional processing with `` tags, looping with ``, and database interaction via ``. The language also supports user-defined functions and components, which are comparable to classes in Java or objects in other languages, facilitating structured application design.

Development and deployment

Developers typically use integrated development environments like Adobe Dreamweaver or specialized tools such as JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA with appropriate plugins. The runtime engine, the ColdFusion Application Server, can be deployed on major operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS. Deployment options range from traditional on-premises servers to cloud-based instances on platforms like Amazon Web Services and the Adobe Creative Cloud. The server manages application scopes, session variables, and integrates with web servers like Apache HTTP Server and Microsoft IIS through connectors.

Related technologies and alternatives

Historically, it competed directly with Microsoft's ASP and later ASP.NET, as well as open-source scripting languages like PHP and frameworks such as JSF and Spring Framework. Modern alternatives in the Java ecosystem include platforms like Grails and Apache Struts. For CFML development outside the Adobe ecosystem, open-source engines like Lucee and Railo provide compatible alternatives. Integration is common with front-end technologies like Angular, React, and various JavaScript libraries, as well as data formats including JSON and XML. Category:Adobe software Category:Application servers Category:Web development software Category:Programming languages created in 1995