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What do I need to start writing ColdFusion?
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You need two things: 1) a ColdFusion server to run your applications, you may either use an ISP who offers ColdFusion hosting or install your own server, and you may even install a local copy of ColdFusion for development at no cost whatsoever. 2) You also need an editing environment. Your best bet is to use Dreamweaver MX, but any text editor may be used.
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| 2: |
Realistically, what skills do I need to be productive using ColdFusion?
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You should be familiar with web and internet basics, and you should know the basics of using HTML to build web pages. You also need a good working knowledge of SQL. Armed with these you'll find yourself productive with ColdFusion in no time.
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| 3: |
Which version of ColdFusion should I install to get started?
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If you want to experiment with ColdFusion, your best bet is to use the Developer Edition (it even has an integrated Web server to help you get up and running quickly and easily). However, you cannot deploy applications using the Developer Edition - you'll need a full version of ColdFusion, and you have two choices: ColdFusion MX Standard is the entry-level version of ColdFusion, or ColdFusion MX Enterprise (which can be installed standalone or as a Java application on top of a J2EE server).
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| 4: |
Where can I obtain a copy of ColdFusion?
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ColdFusion can be bought from Macromedia directly at http://www.macromedia.com/buy/ and from resellers (information at that same URL). You can also download a trial version by going to http://www.macromedia.com/software/coldfusion/. The trial version is the full product and will run for 30 days from the time of installation. After 30 days it reverts to a Developer Edition which may be used for ongoing development.
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| 5: |
What is the ColdFusion Developer Edition?
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ColdFusion Developer Edition is a non-expiring version of ColdFusion that is freely available to ColdFusion developers. It is the full ColdFusion Enterprise product but limited in that it will only process local requests as well as requests from one other IP address. As such, it is useful for development only (you can test pages on the server hosting ColdFusion and from one other machine). Applications created with the free Developer Edition may be deployed on full versions of ColdFusion. The Developer Edition is actually the full Enterprise product, at install time you'll be able to select an option that activates it as a Developer Edition (instead of having to provide a license number). The Developer Edition is also included with the Macromedia MX Studio.
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| 6: |
What are the primary differences between ColdFusion Standard and ColdFusion Enterprise?
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ColdFusion Enterprise runs on more platforms and supports more databases than does ColdFusion Standard, and also includes a full copy of JRun, supports the creation of multiple ColdFusion instances, features high performance mail delivery, and more. Sites that require high availability and greater performance should consider using the Enterprise edition. The complete feature comparison chart is at http://www.macromedia.com/software/coldfusion/productinfo/product_editions/.
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| 7: |
Is ColdFusion available for Mac OSX?
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A Developer Edition of ColdFusion MX for J2EE is available for Mac OSX. It requires that a J2EE server (like JRun or Tomcat) be installed, and ColdFusion will run on top of it. At this time there is no production version of ColdFusion for OSX.
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| 8: |
Where can I find a hosting company that offers ColdFusion hosting?
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The most complete ColdFusion ISP list is at http://www.forta.com/cf/isp/.
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| 9: |
Where can I find books on ColdFusion?
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Start at http://www.forta.com/books, the "ColdFusion Web Application Construction Kit" is the book used by most ColdFusion developers. If you need a quick introduction to SQL take a look at "Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes".
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| 10: |
I need a class to help me get started. Where can I find out about ColdFusion training?
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If you are just starting with ColdFusion you may want to take Macromedia's "Fast Track to ColdFusion" class - a 3 day introduction to ColdFusion. Information about this class (and other classes on ColdFusion, Flash, Dreamweaver, and more) is at http://www.macromedia.com/support/training/.
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| 11: |
What methodology should I use for my ColdFusion development?
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That's a tough one. There is no right or wrong methodology, nor is there a preferred methodology. The only real wrong is writing applications without a methodology, be it a formal one or one of your own. The most popular ColdFusion framework and methodology is the independent initiative Fusebox (http://www.fusebox.org/), and many ColdFusion developers are now paying attention to Mach-II (http://www.mach-ii.com/).
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