6 Cold Fusion
Cold Fusion, developed by Allaire Corporation, is a rapid-development platform for creating dynamic, information-rich Web sites. Using an enhanced version of HTML, Cold Fusion includes features ranging from simple, timesaving tags to robust database and e-commerce functionality.
6.1 Setting Up Cold Fusion
To use Cold Fusion, you must first be set up on a server that supports Cold Fusion. All Bluehill's NT/2000 servers are Cold Fusion enabled.
It is also recommended that you have at least a basic knowledge of HTML and SQL (Structured Query Language) database structure. You can find resources for both HTML and SQL on our Resources page at the following URL:
6.2 Cold Fusion Scripts
Once your server is enabled for Cold Fusion, any file with a .cfm file extension will be treated as a Cold Fusion script. You can upload these files anywhere within your /htdocs directory. When someone accesses the file through his or her Web browser, the script will execute correctly.
6.3 Using Databases with Cold Fusion
One of the many features of Cold Fusion is connectivity to a variety of database types through ODBC. Your Web server supports both Microsoft Access databases and Microsoft SQL databases. Before you can use a database with Cold Fusion, you should be sure that the database you want to use is properly configured as discussed in Chapter 18 of this guide.
6.4 Cold Fusion Studio
Cold Fusion Studio 4.0 is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that can be used with Cold Fusion Server. Cold Fusion Studio enables developers to more easily create powerful, dynamic Web applications. Collaborative features, such as integrated version control, enhance teamwork among developers. In addition, powerful visual programming and database tools increase developer productivity.
Used in conjunction with Cold Fusion Application Server 4.0, Studio helps offer a complete system for rapid development of Web applications. You can use Cold Fusion’s features with or without the Cold Fusion Studio program; however, Studio expedites the development process.
Studio includes a full set of visual database tools, including an SQL query builder, schema and data browsing and support for remote database development over HTTP.
The query builder allows you to drag and drop tables, connect columns, and set query properties to generate SQL statements automatically. Queries can be saved, edited, and dropped into pages.
