I’ve heard great things about Cold Fusion, and with the second CFML server being open sourced just recently, it’s probably time for me to dip my feet in.
So first, here’s what I want out of this…
I want a development environment which I can very quickly develop web based applications with. I need something that lets me do the most common web things very quickly. I’m not afraid of writing Java for complex stuff. (but really, how often does a web app have to do something really complex?)
Now, some questions that perhaps any readers out there might be able to help with…
Can you suggest where a CFML newbie should look to get started? I ordered the first two volumes of ColdFusion 8 Web Application Construction Kit to get started already. What blogs / websites / etc. should I visit regularly?
If I’m gonna go with an Open Source solution to start, OpenBD, or Railo? In case it matters, eventually I’ll need it to run within JBoss and serve through Apache via an AJP connection back to JBoss.
What dev-environment do most people (on OSX) use for CFML? Dreamweaver? TextMate? cfeclipse? Since I’m also doing Flex stuff, the Eclipse based solution sounds appealing.
Marc, Welcome!
Starting with the WACK books is a great place to begin. I liked them because they were very well organized, methodical, and got me running quickly.
As for IDE, I love cfeclipse. And your point is a good one: when you’re working with both flex and CF, it’s nice to be able to do it all in one workspace.
For bloggers, I use http://coldfusionbloggers.org/. It’s easier for me to keep up with all the great stuff people in the community write by using that aggregator. fullasagoog.com is another good one.
Good luck, and welcome to the community!
best,
marc esher
mxunit.org
EasyCFM is one - http://www.easycfm.com/
But to tell you the truth, the CF Docs have been evolving for a looooooooooooooong time, and it’s very good. Check it out at http://livedocs.adobe.com/coldfusion/8/htmldocs/Part_4_CF_DevGuide_1.html
Welcome to the community. I would recommend seeking out a local CF users group if one is in your area. You will find people that will be glad to answer your questions.
As to editors starting out I would use TextMate but be sure to get the CFML language add-on cftextmate at cftextmate.com. I personally prefer CFEclipse but that could come later as there is a bit of a learning curve.
Two sites that might help you with examples are easycfm.com and coldfusioncookbook.com.
Best of luck!
Definitely cfEclipse (but get a second IDE too, Eclipse does not play well with websamba)
Definitely http://www.riaForge.com and http://www.coldfusionjedi.com and the MXNA blog aggregator.
If you see cfset whatever = #somethingInHashes# or evaluate() ignore that site.
Steer clear of any ‘framework’ discussions until your cfBullshitDetector is finely tuned.