book

macromedia® Coldfusion® MX 7 Web Application Construction Kit

by Ben Forta, Raymond Camden, Leon Chalnick, Angela Buraglia

March 2005

Intermediate to advanced

1440 pages

34h 50m

English

Adobe Press

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Copyright
DEDICATION
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Who Should Use This BookHow to Use This BookPart I—Getting StartedPart II—Using ColdFusionPart III—Building ColdFusion ApplicationsPart IV—Advanced ColdFusionPart V—AppendixesThe CD-ROM
1. Getting Started
1. Introducing ColdFusion
The BasicsThe InternetInternet ApplicationsDNSIntranets, Extranets, and PortalsWeb ServersWeb PagesWeb BrowsersHTMLJavaScriptOther Client TechnologiesURLsHosts and Virtual HostsUnderstanding ColdFusionThe Dynamic Page AdvantageUnderstanding Web ApplicationsWhat Is ColdFusion?ColdFusion and Your Intranet, Extranet, and PortalColdFusion ExplainedThe ColdFusion Application ServerThe ColdFusion Markup LanguageLinking to External ApplicationsExtending ColdFusionBeyond the WebInside ColdFusion MX 7Powered by ColdFusion
2. Introducing Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004
Dreamweaver MX 2004 OverviewPreparing to Use DreamweaverCreating the Application RootStarting Dreamweaver for the First TimeSite DefinitionsCreating the SiteAbout the Advanced Site Definition DialogWorking with FilesCreating a Work Directory and FileSaving, Closing, and Opening FilesTesting the PageThe Dreamweaver WorkspaceThe Files PanelThe Document WindowManaging Multiple DocumentsManaging PanelsCode EditingCode Hints and Tag CompletionThe Code Panel GroupThe Snippets PanelThe Reference PanelThe Application Panel GroupThe Databases panelThe Bindings panelThe Server Behaviors panelThe Components panelDesign ToolsThe Design Panel GroupThe CSS PanelThe Layers PanelThe Insert BarCommonLayoutFormsTextHTMLCFMLCFFORMApplicationFlash ElementsFavoritesThe Property InspectorCustomizing DreamweaverCommandsKeyboard ShortcutsExtensionsPreferencesGetting HelpThe Macromedia Forums
3. Accessing the ColdFusion Administrator
Logging Into (and Out of) the ColdFusion AdministratorUsing the ColdFusion AdministratorCreating a Data SourceDefining a Mail ServerEnabling DebuggingViewing Settings
4. Previewing ColdFusion
Preparing to Learn ColdFusionUsing Dreamweaver Code GenerationPreparing to Create an ApplicationCreating a Work Directory and FileSaving, Closing, and Opening FilesTesting the PageCreating an Application in DreamweaverCreating a RecordsetDisplaying Dynamic DataDisplaying Multiple RowsImplementing Page NavigationTrying It YourselfBrowsing the Examples and Tutorials
5. Building the Databases
Database FundamentalsDatabases: A DefinitionWhere Are Databases Used?Clarification of Database-Related TermsData TypesUsing a DatabaseA Database PrimerUnderstanding Relational DatabasesPrimary and Foreign KeysDifferent Kinds of RelationshipsMulti-Table RelationshipsIndexesUsing IndexesIndexing on More than One ColumnUnderstanding the Various Types of Database ApplicationsShared-File–Based DatabasesClient/Server–Based DatabasesWhich Database Product to UseUnderstanding the OWS Database TablesThe Films TableThe Expenses TableThe Directors TableThe FilmsDirectors TableThe Actors TableThe FilmsActors TableThe FilmsRatings TableThe UserRoles TableThe Contacts TableThe Merchandise TableThe MerchandiseOrders TableThe MerchandiseOrdersItems Table

6. Introducing SQL
Understanding Data SourcesCreating A Data SourceCreating a Data Source From Within DreamweaverCreating a Data Source Using The ColdFusion AdministratorPreparing to Write SQL QueriesCreating QueriesSorting Query ResultsFiltering DataFiltering on a Single ColumnFiltering on Multiple ColumnsThe AND and OR OperatorsEvaluation PrecedenceWHERE ConditionsTesting for Equality: =Testing for Inequality: <>Testing for Less Than: <Testing for Less Than or Equal To: <=Testing for Greater Than: >Testing for Greater Than or Equal To: >=BETWEENEXISTSINIS NULL and IS NOT NULLLIKE
7. SQL Data Manipulation
Adding DataUsing the INSERT StatementUnderstanding INSERTModifying DataUnderstanding UPDATEMaking Global UpdatesDeleting Data
2. Using ColdFusion
8. Using ColdFusion
Working with TemplatesCreating TemplatesSaving TemplatesExecuting TemplatesTemplates ExplainedUsing FunctionsUsing VariablesVariable NamingUsing PrefixesWorking with ExpressionsBuilding ExpressionsWhen To Use #, and When Not ToUsing ColdFusion Data TypesListsArraysStructures“Dumping” ExpressionsCommenting Your Code
9. CFML Basics
Working with Conditional ProcessingIf StatementsBasic If StatementsMulti-condition If StatementsIf and ElseMultiple If StatementsPutting It All TogetherSwitch StatementsUsing LoopingThe Index LoopThe List LoopNested LoopsReusing CodeRevisiting Variables
10. Creating Data-Driven Pages
Accessing DatabasesStatic Web PagesDynamic Web PagesUnderstanding Data-Driven TemplatesThe <cfquery> TagUsing <cfoutput> to Display <cfquery> DataUsing Table ColumnsThe Dynamic AdvantageDisplaying Database Query ResultsDisplaying Data Using ListsDisplaying Data Using TablesUsing Query VariablesGrouping Result OutputUsing Data Drill-DownIntroducing Dynamic SQLImplementing Data Drill-Down InterfacesDisplaying Data Using FramesDebugging Dynamic Database Queries
11. The Basics of Structured Development
Understanding Structured DevelopmentSingle-Tier ApplicationsMulti-Tier ApplicationsIntroducing ColdFusion ComponentsCreating Your First CFCThe <cfcomponent> TagThe <cffunction> TagThe <cfreturn> TagThe <cfargument> TagUsing ColdFusion ComponentsUsing Dreamweaver CFC SupportSimplified CFC Method InvocationWizard-Based CFC CreationUsing CFCs as RecordsetsMore On Using ColdFusion ComponentsWhere to Save CFCsUnit TestingDocumenting ColdFusion Components
12. ColdFusion Forms
Using FormsCreating FormsUsing HTML Form TagsForm Submission Error MessagesProcessing Form SubmissionsProcessing Text SubmissionsProcessing Check Boxes and Radio ButtonsProcessing List BoxesProcessing Text AreasProcessing ButtonsCreating Dynamic SQL StatementsBuilding Truly Dynamic StatementsUnderstanding Dynamic SQLConcatenating SQL ClausesCreating Dynamic Search Screens
13. Form Data Validation
Understanding Form ValidationComparing Server-Side and Client-Side ValidationPros and Cons of Each OptionUsing Server-Side ValidationUsing Manual Server-Side ValidationUsing <cfparam> Server-Side ValidationUsing Automatic Server-Side ValidationUsing Client-Side ValidationUnderstanding Client-Side ValidationClient-Side Validation Via <cfform>Extending <cfinput> Validation OptionsSpecifying An Input MaskValidating On The Server And ClientPreventing Multiple Form SubmissionsPutting It All Together
14. Using Forms to Add or Change Data
Adding Data with ColdFusionCreating an Add Record FormProcessing AdditionsIntroducing <cfinsert>Controlling <cfinsert> Form FieldsCollecting Data for More Than One INSERT<cfinsert> Versus SQL INSERTUpdating Data with ColdFusionBuilding a Data Update FormProcessing UpdatesIntroducing <cfupdate><cfupdate> Versus SQL UPDATEDeleting Data with ColdFusionReusing FormsCreating a Complete Application
15. Beyond HTML Forms: Flash and XForms
Using Flash FormsA Brief Introduction to FlashIntroducing Flash FormsGetting Started With Flash FormsFlash Forms ControlsManaging Form LayoutControlling Form AppearanceUsing Data BindingsUsing XFormsUnderstanding XFormsBarriers to XForms AdoptionColdFusion and XFormsWhere Do XSL Files Go?
16. Graphing, Printing, and Reporting
Generating GraphsBuilding Simple ChartsIntroducing <cfchart> and <cfchartseries>Creating Your First ChartChanging the Chart TypeFormatting Your ChartsAdding Depth with 3D ChartsControlling Fonts and ColorsControlling Grid Lines and Axis LabelsUsing Multiple Data SeriesCombining Multiple Chart SeriesCombining Series of Different TypesDrilling Down from ChartsCreating a Clickable ChartCreating the Detail PageDrilling Down to another ChartAdditional Charting TopicsPlotting Individual Points with <cfchartdata>Using Charts with Flash RemotingControlling the Chart CacheCreating Printable PagesUsing the <cfdocument> TagWhat Is Supported by <cfdocument>?Creating Printable Versions Of PagesSaving Generated OutputControlling Output using The <cfdocumentitem> TagDefining Sections with <cfdocumentsection>Generating ReportsUnderstanding the ColdFusion Report BuilderUsing the Setup WizardIntroducing the ColdFusion Report BuilderUsing the Report WizardRunning Your ReportsInvoking Reports from Within ColdFusion CodeAnd A Whole Lot More Too
17. Debugging and Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ColdFusion ApplicationsUnderstanding What Can Go WrongDebugging Web Server Configuration ProblemsDebugging Data Driver ErrorsReceiving the Error Message Data Source Not FoundReceiving the Error Message File Not FoundReceiving Login or Permission Errors When Trying to Access a Data StoreReceiving the Error Message Unknown TableDebugging SQL Statement or Logic ErrorsDebugging ColdFusion Syntax ErrorsInspecting Variable ContentsUsing the Document ValidatorDebugging URL and Path ProblemsImages Are Not DisplayedPassing Parameters That Aren't ProcessedDebugging Form ProblemsUsing the ColdFusion Debugging OptionsClassic DebuggingDockable DebuggingDreamweaver DebuggingUsing Debugging OptionsUsing TracingUsing the ColdFusion Log FilesPreventing Problems
3. Building ColdFusion Applications
18. Planning an Application
Getting Started on Your ApplicationDefining the ProjectThe Importance of Being InspiredUnderstanding the ProjectConducting a Few InterviewsSetting ExpectationsKnowing the PlayersFact FindingLooking at Similar SitesDecide Which Technologies to UseInvestigating Existing Custom Tags, UDFs, and ColdFusion ComponentsSearching the ColdFusion ForumsInvestigating Standard or Third-Party ExtensionsPlanning the ProcessDesign DocumentsSpecification DocumentFlowcharts and StoryboardsMilestones DocumentPlanning the Testing PhaseWho Can Help with Q.A.?Beta TestingTracking Bug ReportsSeparate Development EnvironmentStaging/ProductionWhile You Are WorkingCharting Page FlowInclude Files and Custom TagsCommenting StyleNaming ConventionsKeeping the Directory Structure in MindMoving Targets and Feature Creep
19. Introducing the Web Application Framework
Using Application.cfcPlacement of Application.cfcApplication.cfc StructureA Basic Application.cfc TemplateUsing OnRequestEnd()Using Application VariablesWhat Are Application Variables?When to Use Application VariablesUsing the Application.cfc ComponentUsing Application VariablesInitializing Application VariablesPutting Application Variables to WorkCustomizing the Look of Error MessagesIntroducing the <cferror> TagRequest vs. Exception Error TemplatesCreating a Customized Request Error PageAdditional ERROR VariablesCreating a Customized Exception Error PageCreating a Customized Validation Error PageUsing the OnError MethodUsing Locks to Protect Against Race ConditionsWhat Is A Race Condition?<cflock> Tag SyntaxUsing Exclusive LocksUsing ReadOnly LocksUsing Named Locks instead of SCOPENested Locks and DeadlocksLocking with ColdFusion 5 and EarlierApplication Variable TimeoutsAdjusting Timeouts Using APPLICATIONTIMEOUTAdjusting Timeouts Using the ColdFusion AdministratorUsing onRequest()
20. Working with Sessions
Addressing the Web's StatelessnessThe Problem of Maintaining StateSolutions Provided by ColdFusionCookiesClient VariablesSession VariablesChoosing Which Type of Variables to UseUsing Cookies to Remember PreferencesIntroducing the COOKIE ScopeA Simple Cookie ExerciseUsing CookiesGaining More Control with <cfcookie>Introducing the <cfcookie> TagControlling Cookie ExpirationControlling How Cookies Are SharedSharing Cookies with Other ApplicationsCookie LimitationUsing Client VariablesHow Do Client Variables Work?Enabling Client VariablesUsing Client VariablesRemembering Values for Next TimeUsing Several Client Variables TogetherDeleting Client VariablesAdjusting How Client Variables Are StoredAdjusting How Long Client Variables Are KeptStoring Client Variables in a DatabaseSharing Client Variables Between ServersBacking Up Your Server's Client VariablesStoring Client Variables As a CookieUsing Client Variables Without Requiring CookiesStoring Complex Data Types in Client VariablesUsing Session VariablesWhat Are Session Variables?Enabling Session VariablesUsing Session VariablesUsing Session Variables for Multiple-Page Data EntryMaintaining Structures in the SESSION ScopePutting It All TogetherDeleting Session VariablesWhen Does a Session End?J2EE Session Variables and ColdFusion MXDefault BehaviorAdjusting the Session Time-out PeriodExpiring a Session ProgrammaticallyEnding the Session when the Browser ClosesUsing Session Variables without Requiring CookiesOther Examples of Session VariablesLocking RevisitedSessions and the <cflock> TagExclusive vs. Read-Only LocksScoped vs. Named LocksWorking with onSessionStart and onSessionEnd
21. Securing Your Applications
Options for Securing Your ApplicationSSL EncryptionHTTP Basic AuthenticationApplication-Based SecurityColdFusion's <cflogin> FrameworkColdFusion Sandbox SecurityOperating System SecurityUsing ColdFusion to Control AccessDeciding What to ProtectUsing Session Variables for AuthenticationChecking and Maintaining Login StatusRestricting Access to Your ApplicationCreating a Login PageVerifying the Login Name and PasswordPersonalizing Based on LoginBeing Careful with Passed ParametersRecognizing the ProblemChecking Passed ParametersPutting It Together and Getting InteractiveOther ScenariosDelaying the Login Until NecessaryImplementing Different Access LevelsAccess Rights, Users, and GroupsUsing ColdFusion's <cflogin> FrameworkTags and Functions Provided by the <cflogin> FrameworkUsing <cflogin> and <cfloginuser>Using getAuthUser() in Your Application PagesUsing Roles to Dynamically Restrict FunctionalityUsing Operating System SecurityDefending against Cross-Site Scripting
22. 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 LibraryAnother Example Library: ColorFunctionsSharing UDF Libraries with Others
23. Building Reusable Components
Easy, Powerful ExtensibilityIntroducing CFML Custom TagsThe Basic Custom Tag IdeaWhy Modularity Is a Good ThingModularity Means Having More FunModularity Means Being Self-ContainedModules Are Easy to MaintainModularity Encourages Code ReuseModules Can Be Traded or SoldHow to Use Custom TagsFinding Tags on the Developer ExchangeHow to “Install” a Custom TagUsing Custom TagsUsing <cf_CoolImage>Thinking About Custom Tags as AbstractionsUsing <cf_TwoSelectsRelated>Changing 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 TagsProviding DocumentationPosting to the Developer ExchangeSelling Your Custom TagsAdditional Custom Tag TopicsPaired Custom TagsAssociating Nested Custom TagsPassing Attributes with attributeCollectionThe REQUEST ScopeMaking Variables Available to All Custom TagsMaintaining Per-Request Flags and CountersIntroducing 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
24. 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 WiselyUse Frames WiselyUsing External Script and Style FilesBrowser Compatibility IssuesRemembering SettingsRemembering User Names 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
25. 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 How Many Records Are 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"Understanding the IssueAutomatic White-Space ControlEnabling White-Space SuppressionControlling White-Space Suppression ProgrammaticallySuppressing White-Space Output with <cfsilent>Suppressing Specific White Space with <cfsetting>
26. Integrating with Macromedia Flash
Flash Integration ConceptsMacromedia Flash MX 2004The Flash 7 PlayerColdFusion ComponentsFlash RemotingActionScriptYour First Flash MovieWhat You Need to InstallCreating a MoviePlacing the Movie on a ColdFusion PageCopying and Pasting the HTML CodeInserting Movies with DreamweaverInserting Movies via Drag and DropUsing Flash RemotingColdFusion Pages as ServicesYour First Flash Remoting ProjectGetting StartedDrawing a Simple Search InterfaceAdding ActionScript CodeConnecting to the Flash Remoting GatewayExecuting a ColdFusion Page and Passing ParametersAccessing the Returned ValueCreating the ColdFusion CodeIntroducing the FLASH ScopeTesting the ExampleMore About Returning Data to FlashReturning Multiple Values to FlashReturning Structures to FlashReturning Arrays to FlashReturning Queries to FlashRich Text in Flash Text BoxesWorking with Recordsets in FlashAbout RecordSet ObjectsRecordSet FunctionsA Complete ExampleThe User ExperienceBuilding the InterfaceWriting the ActionScript CodeUnderstanding the CodeCalling CFC Methods from FlashColdFusion Components as ServicesCalling CFC MethodsInstantiated CFCsOther Cool Flash Remoting FeaturesDebugging Flash Remoting ProjectsThe Data Glue ObjectIncrementally Loading RecordsetsSecurity and Logging In from FlashOther Integration Methods
27. Interacting with Email
Sending Email from ColdFusionIntroducing the <cfmail> TagSpecifying a Mail Server in the AdministratorSending Email MessagesSending a Simple MessageUsing Friendly Email AddressesLimiting InputSending Data-Driven MailIncluding Query Data in MessagesSending Bulk MessagesSending HTML-Formatted MailAdding Custom Mail HeadersIntroducing the <cfmailparam> TagAdding AttachmentsOverriding the Default Mail Server SettingsRetrieving Email with ColdFusionIntroducing the <cfpop> TagRetrieving the List of MessagesReceiving and Deleting MessagesReceiving AttachmentsRetrieving the AttachmentsDeleting Attachments After UseAnother ApproachCreating Automated POP AgentsCreating the Agent TemplateScheduling the Agent TemplateOther Uses for POP Agents
28. Online Commerce
Building E-commerce SitesCommon Commerce-Site ElementsStorefront AreaPromotions and Featured ItemsShopping CartCheckout ProcessOrder Status and Package TrackingUsing a Secure ServerCreating StorefrontsDisplaying Individual ItemsCollecting Items into a StoreCreating Shopping CartsStoring Cart InformationCLIENT-Scoped ListsSESSION-Scoped Structures and ArraysCart Data in a DatabaseBuilding a Shopping CartThe Simplest ApproachUpdating Cart QuantitiesEncapsulating the Shopping Cart in a Custom TagBuilding <cf_ShoppingCart>Putting <cf_ShoppingCart> to WorkA ColdFusion Component Version of the Shopping CartBuilding the ShoppingCart ComponentUsing the ShoppingCart ComponentPayment ProcessingPayment-Processing SolutionsProcessing a PaymentGetting Started with Payflow ProThe <cf_VerisignPayflowPro> Custom TagWriting a Custom Tag Wrapper to Accept PaymentsProcessing a Complete OrderCreating the Checkout PageOther Commerce-Related TasksOrder TrackingOrder FulfillmentCancellations, Returns, and RefundsInventory TrackingReporting
4. Advanced ColdFusion
5. Appendices
A. Installing ColdFusion MX 7, Dreamweaver MX 2004, and the Sample Files
Dreamweaver MX 2004ColdFusion MX 7The Different Flavors of ColdFusion MX 7Pre-Installation ChecklistChecking Your HardwareIntel-Based SystemsSolaris SystemsChoosing Your HardwareChecking Your Web ServerInstalling ColdFusion On WindowsInstalling ColdFusion On Linux and UnixInstalling the ColdFusion Report BuilderInstalling Dreamweaver ExtensionsSamples & Data FilesWhat to InstallInstalling the OWS Files
B. ColdFusion Tag Reference
Tag Groups by FunctionDatabase ManipulationData OutputExtensibilityVariable ManipulationFlow ControlDebugging ToolsInternet ProtocolsFile ManagementWeb Application FrameworkColdFusion FormsSecurityCFML UtilitiesVerity SearchAlphabetical List of ColdFusion Tags<cfabort><cfapplet><cfapplication><cfargument><cfassociate><cfbreak><cfcache><cfcalendar><cfcase><cfcatch><cfchart><cfchartdata><cfchartseries><cfcol><cfcollection><cfcomponent><cfcontent><cfcookie><cfdefaultcase><cfdirectory><cfdocument><cfdocumentitem><cfdocumentsection><cfdump><cfelse><cfelseif><cferror><cfexecute><cfexit><cffile><cfflush><cfform><cfformgroup><cfformitem><cfftp><cffunction><cfgraph><cfgraphdata><cfgrid><cfgridcolumn><cfgridrow><cfgridupdate><cfheader><cfhtmlhead><cfhttp><cfhttpparam><cfif><cfimpersonate><cfimport><cfinclude><cfindex><cfinput><cfinsert><cfinvoke><cfinvokeargument><cfldap><cflocation><cflock><cflog><cflogin><cfloginuser><cflogout><cfloop><cfmail><cfmailparam><cfmailpart><cfmodule><cfntauthenticate><cfobject><cfobjectcache><cfoutput><cfparam>name<cfpop><cfprocessingdirective><cfprocparam><cfprocresult><cfproperty><cfquery><cfqueryparam><cfregistry><cfreport><cfreportparam><cfrethrow><cfreturn><cfsavecontent><cfschedule><cfscript><cfsearch><cfselect><cfservlet><cfservletparam><cfset><cfsetting><cfsilent><cfslider><cfstoredproc><cfswitch><cftable><cftextarea><cftextinput><cfthrow><cftimer><cftrace><cftransaction><cftree><cftreeitem><cftry><cfupdate><cfwddx><cfxml>
C. ColdFusion Function Reference
Functions by TopicString-Manipulation FunctionsDate and Time FunctionsData Formatting FunctionsMathematical FunctionsInternational FunctionsList-Manipulation FunctionsArray-Manipulation FunctionsStructure-Manipulation FunctionsQuery-Manipulation FunctionsSecurity FunctionsSystem FunctionsClient Variable–Manipulation FunctionsExpression Evaluation FunctionsBit- and Set-Manipulation FunctionsConversion FunctionsXML FunctionsEvent Gateway FunctionsSOAP FunctionsMiscellaneous FunctionsAlphabetical List of ColdFusion FunctionsAbs()Acos()AddSOAPRequestHeaderAddSOAPResponseHeaderArrayAppend()ArrayAvg()ArrayClear()ArrayDeleteAt()ArrayInsertAt()ArrayIsEmpty()ArrayLen()ArrayMax()ArrayMin()ArrayNew()ArrayPrepend()ArrayResize()ArraySet()ArraySort()ArraySum()ArraySwapArrayToList()Asc()Asin()Atn()AuthenticatedContext()AuthenticatedUser()BinaryDecodeBinaryEncodeBitAnd()BitMaskClear()BitMaskRead()BitMaskSet()BitNot()BitOr()BitSHLN()BitSHRN()BitXor()Ceiling()CharsetDecode()CharsetEncode()Chr()Cjustify()Compare()CompareNoCase()Cos()CreateDate()CreateDateTime()CreateODBCDate()CreateODBCDateTime()CreateODBCTime()CreateObject()CreateTime()CreateTimeSpan()DateAdd()DateCompare()DateConvert()DateDiff()DateFormat()DatePart()Day()DayOfWeek()DayOfWeekAsString()DayOfYear()DaysInMonth()DaysInYear()DE()DecimalFormat()Decrypt()DeleteClientVariable()DirectoryExists()DollarFormat()Duplicate()Encrypt()Exp()ExpandPath()Evaluate()FileExists()Find()FindNoCase()FindOneOf()FirstDayOfMonth()Fix()FormatBaseN()GenerateSecretKey()GetBaseTagData()GetBaseTagList()GetBaseTemplatePath()GetClientVariablesList()GetContextRoot()GetCurrentTemplatePath()GetDirectoryFromPath()GetException()GetFileFromPath()GetFunctionList()GetGatewayHelper()GetHttpRequestData()GetHttpTimeString()GetLocale()GetLocaleDisplayName()GetMetaData()GetMetricData()GetPageContext()GetProfileString()GetSOAPRequest()GetSOAPRequestHeader()GetSOAPResponse()GetSOAPResponseHeader()GetTempDirectory()GetTempFile()GetTemplatePath()GetK2ServerCollections()GetK2ServerDocCount()GetK2ServerDocCountLimit()GetTickCount()GetTimeZoneInfo()GetToken()Hash()Hour()HTMLCodeFormat()HTMLEditFormat()IIf()IncrementValue()InputBaseN()Insert()Int()IsArray()IsAuthenticated()IsAuthorized()IsBinary()IsBoolean()IsCustomFunction()IsDebugMode()IsDefined()IsDateIsK2ServerDocCountExceeded()IsK2ServerOnline()IsLeapYear()IsNumeric()IsNumericDate()IsObject()IsProtected()IsSimpleValue()IsSOAPRequest()IsStruct()IsQuery()IsUserInRole()IsWDDX()IsXML()IsXmlAttribute()IsXMLDoc()IsXMLElem()IsXmlNode()IsXMLRoot()JavaCast()JSStringFormat()LCase()Left()Len()ListAppend()ListChangeDelims()ListContains()ListContainsNoCase()ListDeleteAt()ListFind()ListFindNoCase()ListFirst()ListGetAt()ListInsertAt()ListLast()ListLen()ListPrepend()ListSort()ListToArray()ListQualify()ListRest()ListSetAt()ListValueCount()ListValueCountNoCase()LJustify()Log()Log10()LSCurrencyFormat()LSDateFormat()LSEuroCurrencyFormat()LSIsCurrency()LSIsDate()LSIsNumeric()LSNumberFormat()LSParseCurrency()LSParseDateTime()LSParseEuroCurrency()LSParseNumber()LSTimeFormat()LTrim()Max()Mid()Min()Minute()Month()MonthAsString()Now()NumberFormat()ParagraphFormat()ParameterExists()ParseDateTime()Pi()PreserveSingleQuotes()Quarter()QueryAddColumn()QueryAddRow()QueryNew()QuerySetCell()QuotedValueList()Rand()Randomize()RandRange()REFind()REFindNoCase()ReleaseCOMObject()RemoveChars()RepeatString()Replace()REReplace()REReplaceNoCase()ReplaceList()Reverse()Right()RJustify()Round()RTrim()Second()SendGatewayMessage()SetLocale()SetProfileString()SetVariable()Sgn()Sin()SpanExcluding()SpanIncluding()Sqr()StripCR()StructAppend()StructClear()StructCopy()StructCount()StructDelete()StructFind()StructFindKey()StructFindValue()StructGet()StructInsert()StructIsEmpty()StructKeyArray()StructKeyExists()StructKeyList()StructNew()StructSort()StructUpdate()Tan()TimeFormat()ToBase64()ToBinary()ToScript()ToString()Trim()UCase()URLDecode()URLEncodedFormat()Val()WriteOutput()ValueList()Week()Wrap()XMLChildPos()XMLElemNew()XMLFormat()XMLGetNodeType()XMLNew()XMLParse()XMLSearch()XMLTransform()XMLValidate()Year()YesNoFormat()
D. Special ColdFusion Variables and Result Codes
Special ColdFusion Variables and Result CodesATTRIBUTE VariablesCALLER VariablesCGI Variables<cfcatch> Variables<cfcollection action="list"> Query Columns<cfdirectory action="list"> Query Columns<cffile action="upload"> Variables<cfftp> Variables<cfftp action="ListDir"> Query Columns<cfhttp> Variables<cfldap action="query"> Query columns<cfpop action="GetHeaderOnly|GetAll"> Query Columns<cfquery> Variables<cfregistry> Query Variables<cfsearch> Results Variables<cfservlet> Variables<cfstoredproc> VariablesCLIENT VariablesCOOKIE VariablesERROR VariablesFORM VariablesQuery VariablesREQUEST VariablesSERVER VariablesSESSION VariablesThisTag VariablesURL Variables
E. Verity Search Language
Using Angle Brackets Around OperatorsOperators Are Not Case SensitiveUsing Prefix Instead of Infix NotationSearching for Special Characters as LiteralsUnderstanding Concept OperatorsUnderstanding Evidence OperatorsUnderstanding Proximity OperatorsUnderstanding Relational OperatorsUnderstanding Search ModifiersUnderstanding Score Operators
F. ColdFusion MX 7 Directory Structure
G. Sample Application Data Files
Sample Application Data FilesThe Actors TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe Contacts TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe Directors TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe Expenses TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe Films TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe FilmsActors TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe FilmsDirectors TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe FilmsRatings TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe Merchandise TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe MerchandiseOrders TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe MerchandiseOrdersItems TablePrimary KeyForeign KeysThe UserRoles TablePrimary KeyForeign Keys

Content preview from macromedia® Coldfusion® MX 7 Web Application Construction Kit

Chapter 24. Improving the User Experience

IN THIS CHAPTER

Usability Considerations 767

Remembering Settings 772

Creating Next-n Records Interfaces 773

Returning Page Output Right Away with <cfflush> 790

Usability Considerations

This chapter concentrates on issues regarding the overall user experience and ways to it 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 ways to ensure that your application ...

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