Section 1.1. Why Java for ColdFusion Developers? | Java for ColdFusion Developers

1.1 Why Java for ColdFusion Developers ?

There are many Java books currently on the market. However, many of these books assume that you have already mastered another programming language. This can make it difficult to understand the concepts behind the syntax. Likewise, many of these books are riddled with references to C++, because there are a number of similarities between C++ and Java. This is not useful for a Web developer who is interested in learning programming. This book is therefore riddled with references to ColdFusion, allowing you to learn Java more quickly because the language is contextualized strongly in terms of something you are already very familiar with.

1.1.1 Java Programming First, Java Web Technology Second

While ColdFusion developers may be interested in standalone software application development, they are certainly interested in Web technologies. Therefore, this book does something few other current Java books do: it teaches you Java first, and then the Web technologies that Java features. Many Java books are geared toward those who want to be software developers (for obvious reasons), and they often don't even mention JavaServer Pages (JSP). You therefore would need to get a second book to learn them specifically . This book handles it.

While there are also numerous books on JSP and servlets, they often assume that you already know Java, or that you can write JSPs without knowing Java. I feel strongly that one cannot write more than a toy JSP ”let alone architect and build a complete real-world application (the kind clients like) ”without knowing any Java. This book handles it.

1.1.2 ColdFusion MX

1.1.2.1 NEW ARCHITECTURE

With the introduction of ColdFusion MX, ColdFusion developers are now facing a new architecture, written in Java, as well as other updates to ColdFusion that work closely with the Java programming language. While it is not necessary to learn Java to continue writing regular ColdFusion applications, there is certainly no better time or excuse to do so. Learning Java and JSP now will enhance and extend your ability to write powerful Web applications.

1.1.2.2 NEW FEATURES

ColdFusion MX has a number of new features, including ColdFusion Components , which define, for example, <cffunction> and <cfargument> . These allow you to create reusable components that you can call from a ColdFusion template, a Web service, or from Flash. While this is an exciting feature, there is a sense in which the behavior and terminology involved mimics Java (which is underneath the hood). The same can be said for the "finally" statement ”that recent addition to CFScript that you may have noticed. Well, it's not a coincidence ”it's Java. It just makes sense to learn what is happening behind the scenes.

1.1.2.3 JSP/SERVLET SUPPORT

Because it is written in Java, ColdFusion MX now supports JSP and servlets natively. This means that you will be able to write hybrid applications that combine the rapid application development inherent in ColdFusion with the power of Java technologies such as JavaBeans. ColdFusion MX developers can call JSPs or servlets directly from within a CFML page, or import JSP tag libraries and use them as if they were ColdFusion custom tags.

Moreover, because this book is focused specifically on helping ColdFusion developers, learning Java and JSP will be faster and easier.

1.1.3 Updated for Java 1.4, JSP 1.3, and Servlets 2.4

During the writing of this book, Java 1.4 was released, and JSP 1.3 and Servlets 2.4 are close to a release. This book makes sure you have the most up-to-date information on Java technologies, which have changed significantly even in the last year. This is especially true of the Web technologies.

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