book

Adobe ColdFusion 8 Web Application Construction Kit, Volume 2: Application Development

Name: Adobe ColdFusion 8 Web Application Construction Kit, Volume 2: Application Development
ISBN: 9780321550040

by Ben Forta, Raymond Camden, Charlie Arehart, John C. Bland II, Leon Chalnick, Ken Fricklas, Paul Hastings, Mike Nimer, Sarge Sargent, Robi Sen

November 2007

Intermediate to advanced

552 pages

13h 54m

English

Adobe Press

Read now

Unlock full access

Copyright
Dedications
Biographies
Ben FortaCharlie ArehartJohn C. Bland IIKen FricklasLeon ChalnickMike NimerPaul HastingsRay CamdenRobi SenSarge Sargent
Acknowledgments
Ben FortaCharlie ArehartJohn C. Bland IILeon ChalnickKen FricklasMike NimerPaul HastingsRay CamdenSarge Sargent
Introduction
Who Should Use This Book?How to Use This BookPart V: Creating Functions, Tags, and ComponentsPart VI: ColdFusion Configuration and PerformancePart VII: Integrating with ColdFusionThe Web Site
V. Creating Functions, Tags, and Components
24. Building User-Defined Functions
Thinking About Extending CFMLFunctions Turn Input into OutputBuilding Your First UDFBasic StepsUsing the FunctionUDF Tag SyntaxUsing Local VariablesWhy Local Variables Are ImportantHow to Declare a Local VariableWhere to Save Your UDFsCreating and Using a UDF in the Same FileSaving UDFs in Separate Files for Easy ReuseReusing Code Saves Time and EffortCreating Libraries of Related UDFsDesigning the UDF LibraryPutting the UDF Library to UseCreating General-Purpose UDFsThings to ConsiderWriting the SimpleJavaScriptFunctions LibrarySharing UDF Libraries with Others
25. Creating Custom Tags
Easy, Powerful ExtensibilityIntroducing CFML Custom TagsThe Basic Custom Tag IdeaWhy Modularity Is a Good ThingModularity Means Being Self-ContainedModules Are Easy to MaintainModularity Encourages Code ReuseHow to Use Custom TagsFinding Tags on the Developer ExchangeHow to “Install” a Custom TagUsing Custom TagsUsing <cf_CoolImage>Thinking About Custom Tags as AbstractionsChanging the Custom Tag Search PathPlacing Custom Tags in the Current DirectoryControlling Template Locations with <cfmodule>Introducing the <cfmodule> TagCalling Modules by NameUnderstanding the name AttributeUsing Dot Notation to Avoid ConflictsCalling Modules by Template LocationWriting Custom Tags That Display InformationWriting Your First Custom TagIntroducing the attributes ScopeOutputting Attribute ValuesUsing <cfparam> to Declare AttributesMaking Attributes Optional or RequiredUsing <cfparam> to Establish Default ValuesUsing Functions to Test for AttributesWho Are You Developing For?Querying and Displaying OutputRunning Queries in Custom TagsLocal Variables in Custom TagsCustom Tags Versus <cfinclude>Custom Tags That Process DataIntroducing the CALLER ScopeReturning Variables to the Calling TemplateVariable Names as Tag AttributesUsing <cfparam> with type="variableName"Setting a Variable DynamicallyUsing Quoted <cfset> SyntaxUsing the setVariable() FunctionUsing struct NotationCustom Tags That Encapsulate Business RulesCustom Tags for General-Purpose UseSharing Your Custom TagsAdditional Custom Tag TopicsPassing Attributes with attributeCollectionThe REQUEST ScopeMaking Variables Available to All Custom TagsMaintaining Per-Request Flags and CountersWorking with <cfimport>Paired Custom TagsThe Execution CycleThe Concept of GeneratedContentCustom Tags That May Be Called as Paired or EmptyUsing ThisTag.HasEndTagUsing cfexit to Control Custom Tag Processing FlowNested Custom TagsThe cfmodule CaveatCommunicating Between Parent and Child Custom TagsNested Custom Tags That Don’t CommunicateChild to ParentParent to ChildBidirectionalWhere to Go From Here
26. Building Reusable Components
Introducing ColdFusion ComponentsAbout ColdFusion ComponentsCFCs Can Be Called in Many Different WaysCFCs Are Object-Oriented ToolsCFCs and Method InheritanceThe Two Types of ComponentsStatic ComponentsInstance-Based ComponentsYour First CFCThe Structure of a CFC FileIntroducing the <cfcomponent> TagUsing <cffunction> to Create MethodsA Simple ExampleUsing the CFC in ColdFusion PagesCalling Methods with <cfinvoke>Supplying ArgumentsCalling an Instance’s MethodsCalling Methods with <cfscript> SyntaxInstantiating Components with createObject()A More Complete CFCCFCs as Collections of FunctionsUsing the FilmData CFCSeparating Logic from PresentationAccessing a CFC via a URLVisiting the Correct URLCreating Methods That Generate HTMLOther Ways of Separating CFC Logic from PresentationAccessing a CFC via a FormExploring CFCs in DreamweaverViewing All Your CFCsJumping to CFC Code from the TreeInserting <cfinvoke> Tags via Drag and DropViewing CFC DetailsViewing CFC DocumentationViewing CFC Documentation Without DreamweaverUsing the Create Component DialogComponents That Hold Instance DataIntroducing the THIS ScopeThe THIS Scope Represents an InstanceSteps in the THIS ProcessAn Instance Data CFC ExampleDesigning FilmRotationCFCBuilding FilmRotationCFCStoring CFCs in the APPLICATION ScopeStoring CFCs in the SESSION ScopeInstance Data as PropertiesModifying Properties from a ColdFusion PageCFCs and the VARIABLES ScopeDocumenting Properties with <cfproperty>CFCs, Shared Scopes, and LockingDirect Access to Shared Scopes from CFC MethodsLocking Access to the THIS ScopeLearning More About CFCsLearning About Advanced CFC Concepts
27. Creating Advanced ColdFusion Components
Specifying Data Types and Type CheckingUsing the GetMetaData() FunctionManaging ComponentsWorking with InheritanceOverriding Properties and MethodsUsing the SUPER ScopeDefining InterfacesImplementing SecurityImplementing Access ControlPrivatePackagePublicRemoteImplementing Role-Based Security in CFCsUsing the OnMissingMethod MethodDistributed CFCs, Serialization, and ColdFusion 8CFC Good PracticesUse HintsAvoid ACCESS="REMOTE"Don’t Expose Yourself Unless You Need ToUse Data TypesDesign for Your ProjectUse CFCs!
VI. ColdFusion Configuration and Performance

28. ColdFusion Server Configuration
The ColdFusion AdministratorThe Administrator Home PageServer SettingsThe Settings PageTimeout Requests After (Seconds)Enable per App SettingsUse UUID for cftokenEnable HTTP Status CodesEnable Whitespace ManagementDisable CFC Type CheckDisable Access to Internal ColdFusion Java ComponentsPrefix Serialized JSON WithWatch Configuration Files for ChangesEnable Global Script ProtectionDefault ScriptSrc DirectoryMissing Template HandlerSitewide Error HandlerMaximum Size of Post DataRequest Throttle ThresholdRequest Throttle MemoryThe Request Tuning PageMaximum Number of Simultaneous Template RequestsMaximum Number of Simultaneous Flash Remoting RequestsMaximum Number of Simultaneous Web Service RequestsMaximum Number of Simultaneous CFC Function RequestsMaximum Number of Running JRun ThreadsMaximum Number of Queued JRun ThreadsMaximum Number of Simultaneous Report ThreadsMaximum Number of Threads Available for CFTHREADTimeout Requests Waiting in Queue After n SecondsRequest Queue Timeout PageThe Caching PageMaximum Number of Cached TemplatesTrusted CacheSave Class FilesCache Web Server PathsMaximum Number of Cached QueriesThe Client Variables PageChoosing a Client Variable Storage MechanismChoosing the Default Storage MechanismPurge IntervalThe Memory Variables PageUse J2EE Session VariablesEnable Application VariablesEnable Session VariablesMaximum TimeoutDefault TimeoutThe Mappings PageThe Mail PageMail ServerUsernamePasswordVerify Mail Server ConnectionServer PortBackup Mail ServersConnection TimeoutEnable SSL Socket Connections to Mail ServerEnable TLS Connection to Mail ServerSpool IntervalMail Delivery ThreadsSpool Mail Messages for Delivery ToError Log SeverityLog All Messages Sent by ColdFusionMail Charset SettingThe Charting PageCache TypeMaximum Number of Cached ImagesMaximum Number of Charting ThreadsDisk Cache LocationThe Font Management PageThe Java and JVM PageJava Virtual Machine PathMinimum JVM Heap SizeMaximum Memory SizeColdFusion Class PathJVM ArgumentsSettings SummaryData and ServicesThe Data Sources PageThe Verity Collections PageAdd New Verity CollectionsVerity CollectionsThe Verity K2 Server PageThe Web Services PageThe Flex Integration PageEnable Flash Remoting supportEnable Remote Adobe LiveCycle Data Management AccessEnable RMI over SSL for Data ManagementSelect IP Addresses Where LiveCycle Data Services Are RunningDebugging and LoggingThe Debug Output Settings PageEnable Robust Exception InformationEnable AJAX Debug Log WindowEnable Request Debugging OutputCustom Debugging OutputEnable Performance MonitoringEnable CFSTATThe Debugging IP Addresses PageThe Debugger Settings PageAllow Line DebuggingDebugger PortMaximum Simultaneous Debugging SessionsThe Logging Settings PageLog DirectoryMaximum File SizeMaximum Number of ArchivesLog Slow PagesLog All CORBA CallsEnable Logging for Scheduled TasksThe Log Files PageThe Scheduled Tasks PageThe System Probes PageDefine New ProbeSystem Probe OptionsThe Code Analyzer PageThe License Scanner PageServer MonitoringThe Server Monitor PageLaunch Server MonitorLaunch Multiserver MonitorExtensionsThe Java Applets PageThe CFX Tags PageRegistering a Java CFXRegistering a C++ CFXThe Custom Tag Paths PageThe CORBA Connectors PageEvent GatewaysThe Settings PageEnable ColdFusion Event Gateway ServicesEvent Gateway Processing ThreadsMaximum Number of Events to QueueSMS Test ServerThe Gateway Types PageThe Gateway Instances PageSecurityThe Administrator PageColdFusion Administrator AuthenticationRoot Administrator PasswordThe RDS Password PageRDS AuthenticationRDS Single PasswordThe Sandbox Security PageEnable ColdFusion SecurityAdd Security SandboxDefined Directory PermissionsData SourcesCF TagsCF FunctionsFiles/DirsServers/PortsThe User Manager PagePackaging and DeploymentThe ColdFusion Archives PageDeploy an Existing ArchiveCreating a New ArchiveCurrent Archive Definition ListThe J2EE Archives PageAdd New ArchiveConfigured Archives
29. Improving the User Experience
Usability ConsiderationsPut Yourself in the User’s ShoesThink About NavigationWhy It’s Good to Be PredictableAnticipating the User’s Next MoveScripting, Rollovers, and WidgetsDealing with Problems GracefullyEasing the Browser’s BurdenDealing with Image SizeUse Tables WiselyUsing External Script and Style FilesBrowser Compatibility IssuesRemembering SettingsRemembering Usernames and PasswordsOther Helpful Settings to RememberAvoid the “Big Brother” EffectCreating Next-n Records InterfacesAdvantages of Next-n InterfacesWhen to Create a Next-n InterfaceCreating the Basic InterfaceLimiting the Number of Records ShownAdding Next and Back ButtonsAlternating Row Colors for ReadabilityDefining StylesA Note on the Use of iif()Letting the User Browse Page by PageAdding Show All and Filter OptionsReturning Page Output Right Away with <cfflush>When to Clear the BufferThe Exception, Not the RuleIntroducing the <cfflush> TagFlushing the Output Buffer for Large PagesFlushing the Output Buffer for Long-Running ProcessesSimulating a Long-Running ProcessDisplaying a Please-Wait Type of MessageDisplaying a Graphical Progress MeterFlushing the Output Buffer Between Table RowsWhen You Can’t Flush the BufferRestrictions on Cookie UseRestrictions on <cflocation>Other Restrictions
30. Managing Threads
Using the <cfthread> TagStarting ThreadsSuspending ThreadsEnding ThreadsJoining ThreadsAccessing Thread DataThread ScopesTHREAD-LOCAL ScopeATTRIBUTES ScopeTHREAD ScopeCFTHREAD ScopeThread MetadataOther ColdFusion ScopesUsing the Thread StatusDisplaying Thread OutputMonitoring and Administering ThreadsHandling Thread ExceptionsAdministrator ToolsBest Practices
31. Improving Performance
Options in the ColdFusion AdministratorImproving Query Performance with CachingUnderstanding Query CachingUsing Cached QueriesRefreshing Cached Queries ProgrammaticallyFlushing a Specific Cached Query After an UpdateFlushing All Cached QueriesLimiting the Number of Cached QueriesControlling the Number of Records Fetched at OnceCaching Page OutputIntroducing the <cfcache> TagClient-Side Page CachingBackgroundGaining More ControlWhat It MeansServer-Side Page CachingEnabling Server-Side CachingColdFusion-Optimized CachingCaching Pages That Use URL ParametersSpecifying the Cache DirectoryFlushing the Page CacheUsing action="flush"Controlling White SpaceUnderstanding the IssueAutomatic White-Space ControlEnabling White-Space SuppressionControlling White-Space Suppression ProgrammaticallySuppressing White-Space Output with <cfsilent>Suppressing Specific White Space with <cfsetting>
VII. Integrating with ColdFusion
32. Working with PDF Files
Working with cfpdfCreating PDF FilesReading PDF FilesMerging PDF FilesCreating ThumbnailsCreating WatermarksDeleting PagesEncryption, Permissions, and PasswordsSetting PasswordsAdding EncryptionWorking with <cfprint>Using GetPrinterInfo and GetPrintersPrinting PDF FilesUsing DDXCreating a Simple DDX Processing ApplicationAdding a Table of ContentsAdding Headers and FootersAdding WatermarksUsing Style ProfilesExtracting PDF TextWorking with PDF FormsPopulating PDF FormsSubmitting PDF FormsHandling HTTP SubmissionsHandling PDF SubmissionsEmbedding PDF Forms
33. ColdFusion Image Processing
Introducing <CFIMAGE>Manipulating Images with <CFIMAGE>Resizing an ImageAdding BordersControlling JPEG Quality and Drawing TextAdding a WatermarkAdding a CAPTCHA TestExploring Other ColdFusion Image Manipulation TechniquesCreating and Drawing Images with ColdFusionSummary
34. Advanced ColdFusion-Powered Ajax
Ajax-Based Layout ControlsWorking with TabsWorking with PodsWorking with WindowsWorking with MenusAdding TooltipsWorking with TreesDynamically Populating Ajax ControlsUsing Bindings to Load ContentLoading Content with AjaxLinkWorking with the JavaScript APIWorking with <cfajaxproxy>Using AjaxProxy as a BindingWorking with JSONSpecial Considerations for ColdFusion Ajax ApplicationsImporting JavaScript Ajax LibrariesRunning Functions on Page LoadDefining JavaScript Functions in Loaded PagesIntegration with Adobe SpryDebugging AjaxImplementing Security Options
35. Understanding ColdFusion-Powered Flex
What Is the LCDS Server?RPC (Rest, Web Services, and Flash Remoting)Data MessagingData ManagementHow Does a Flex Application Communicate with ColdFusion?Asynchronous Requests and CallbacksNo More Request/ResponseSession ScopeColdFusion and Flex ConfigurationsColdFusion Admin SettingsColdFusion and Flex Together as One Server InstanceColdFusion and Flex as Two Separate Server Instances
36. Building ColdFusion-Powered Flex Applications
Configuring FlexThe services-config.xml FileChannels and DestinationsConfiguring the Flash Remoting Destinationchannelssourceaccessproperty-caseConfiguring the ColdFusion Data Messaging DestinationchannelscomponentscopemetadataConfiguring the ColdFusion Data Push DestinationchannelsConfiguring LoggingConfiguring the Flex Builder -services Compiler ArgumentConfiguring Your Flex Builder ProjectRPC Applications for Flash RemotingPopulating a Data GridAdding Best-Practice Improvements to the Data GridAdding an Edit Form to the Data GridData Management ApplicationsSynchronizing the Data GridAdding Conflict Resolution to the FormData Messaging ApplicationsCreating an Event GatewayAdvanced TopicsDebuggingConsole OutputColdFusion DebuggingPacket SnifferFlex Builder and ColdFusion Line DebuggersValue ObjectsFlex Builder Wizards
37. Creating Presentations
Presenting <cfpresentation>Setting Play and Control OptionsEmbedding ContentStyling Your PresentationAdding PresentersSaving Your Presentation
38. Generating Non-HTML Content
About ColdFusion and Non-HTML ContentAbout MIME Content TypesHow Your Browser Handles MIME TypesIntroducing the <cfcontent> TagExperimenting with Plain TextComma-Separated TextGenerating Comma-Separated TextAdding a Content-Disposition Header for Internet ExplorerRetrieving the Comma-Separated Text with <cfhttp>Generating Excel FilesCreating Spreadsheets with Tab-Separated TextCreating Spreadsheets with HTMLGenerating Word FilesCreating Documents with RTFCreating an RTF Template DocumentServing Media FilesTurning ColdFusion into an Image ServerServing Up ImagesDisplaying the Images in Other Web PagesHandling Click-ThroughsOther UsesOther Types of Media ContentSecure Downloads
39. Full-Text Searching
Getting to Know VeritySearching for Different Types of Files with VerityIntegrating ColdFusion with Other Search EnginesCreating a Search Tool for Your DocumentsUnderstanding CollectionsCreating a New CollectionIndexing the CollectionIndexing Your Files with the ColdFusion AdministratorIndexing Your Files with the <cfindex> TagCreating a Search InterfaceThe Search Form PageThe Search Results PageRefining Your SearchUsing AND, OR, and NOTUsing Parentheses and Quotation MarksUsing WildcardsTaking Case Sensitivity into AccountIndexing SQL DataSearching Without VerityIndexing Your Table Data: Verity to the RescueDisplaying a Summary for Each RecordIndexing Multiple Query Columns as the BodyIndexing Additional Columns with Custom FieldsCombining Verity Searches with SQL Queries on the FlyUnderstanding Verity and Your Table’s Key ValuesSearching on More Than One CollectionMaintaining CollectionsRepopulating Your Verity CollectionIf You Index Your Collections InteractivelyIf You Index Your Collections ProgrammaticallyDeleting and Repopulating Specific RecordsAdministering Collections with <cfcollection>Optimizing a Verity CollectionRepairing a CollectionDeleting a CollectionCreating a Collection ProgrammaticallyUnderstanding Verity’s Search Syntax
40. Event Scheduling
ColdFusion Event Scheduling ConceptsColdFusion Scheduling vs. Other Kinds of SchedulingCreating, Modifying, and Deleting Scheduled TasksAdministering Scheduled TasksScheduled Task LoggingCreating Scheduled Tasks with the ColdFusion AdministratorTask NameDurationFrequencyURLUsername and PasswordTimeout (Seconds)Proxy Server (and Port)Publish and FileResolve URLRunning, Modifying, and Deleting Scheduled TasksRunning Scheduled TasksPausing a Scheduled TaskModifying Scheduled TasksDeleting Scheduled TasksCreating, Modifying, and Deleting Tasks Using <CFSCHEDULE>Creating a Scheduled Task with <cfschedule>Modifying, Deleting, and Running Scheduled Tasks with the <cfschedule> TagScheduling Application ExamplesCreating a Scheduled Task for a POP3 ApplicationBuilding an Automatic Promotional Email ApplicationBuilding the Email ApplicationScheduling the TaskScheduling Updates to a Verity CollectionUpdating the Verity CollectionCreating the Scheduled Task with <cfschedule>

Content preview from Adobe ColdFusion 8 Web Application Construction Kit, Volume 2: Application Development

Chapter 29. Improving the User Experience

In This Chapter

</feature>

Usability Considerations

This chapter concentrates on issues regarding the overall user experience and ways to improve it. The term user experience is vague and hard to measure, and different people define it differently. For our purposes, think of the quality of the user experience as being affected mainly by the combination of an application’s performance, usability, and friendliness.

In other words, do people have a pleasant experience when they use your application?

Put Yourself in the User’s Shoes

One of the best ...

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.

Julian F.

Head of Cybersecurity

I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.

Addison B.

Field Engineer

I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.

Amir M.

Data Platform Tech Lead

I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.

Mark W.

Embedded Software Engineer

Adobe® ColdFusion® Web Application Construction Kit: ColdFusion® 10 Enhancements and Improvements

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780321550040Purchase book

Cloud Computing

Data Engineering

Data Science

AI & ML

Programming Languages

Software Architecture

IT/Ops

Security

Design