Applications & Possibilities

How it works

ColdFusion applications use database and scripting tools to create dynamic web interfaces. All of the information relevent to a system is stored in a database. Data collected from a web page goes directly into a related database and is instantly available to the system and its users.

There are many advantages to connecting the database to the web. By doing so, your information can be collectively managed in real time from within your local network or from anywhere an internet connection is available. Many users can be given the access needed to modify the data without fear of that information becoming unsynchchronized because several localized copies exist.

Connecting your database to the web makes it easier for you to manage. Your information management team no longer needs to understand how to use a database, or learn to use application specific software. They only need to be able to navigate with a web browser. Content management can be done easily and instantly with a straight-foward administrative interface. Information management is reduced to choosing from lists, filling in blanks and clicking on the 'submit' button.

What can it do?

ColdFusion is a flexible and scaleable development language. It grows with your needs and smoothly intergrates with other information technologies, such as email (sending and receiving), FTP, directory services, and search engines.

Applications

It is possible to use ColdFusion and its related technologies to create many different types of information management solutions. The language can be applied in areas such as on-line shopping (e-commerce), contact databases, project tracking and management, report generation, file sharing, and data search tools.

Application of the concepts and techniques behind these solutions is limited only by your ability to envision how they relate to your situation. A wide variety of solutions can be created by bringing similar strategies to other specific problems.

Features

There are several features which can be incorporated into just about any application.

Security is often a primary concern for administrators of information systems. ColdFusion allows for multiple layers of security, working on the user, machine, and data levels. Each user can be given a login and password which can be used to gain entrance to a system. Access can also be limited to a given set of computers, restricting those from outside your network. Criteria can even be enabled on a record by record basis.

For example, every page can check to make sure that the user has logged in and, if not, send them directly to the login screen. A login session can be set to timeout after a specific duration to ensure that, if someone walks away from their terminal without logging out, others will not be able to gain access. At the same time, each user or machine can be associated with a specific set of permissions, so some can be given complete access (add, edit and delete records) while others can be given only access to view the data. Different sections can also have different permissions, so there can be a section for administration and one for public viewing.

This administrative back end is often attached to an application. It allows authorized users the ability to change other users' permissions or reset their passwords, create and delete new users, and add options to drop down menus. Often a back end is used to approve data being entered into the system. Anyone is allowed to make additions to the database but those additions are hidden from the rest of the world until an administrator approves them.

Through the use of browser cookies and similar concepts, user preferences can be remembered and maintained. Users viewing the system from different entry points can be shown different information than those from another. Returning users can be directed towards their favourite parts of the site or new and updated content. Different colours and images can be displayed based on the users perferences.

Statistics are one of the most helpful tools a site can provide for its administrators. ColdFusion is capable of dynamically creating tables, charts and doing statistical analysis of your data. This could help you get instant results from a survey, provide feedback for an online quiz, or indicate the popularity of a section of your site.