ColdFusion (CF) was created to make the connection of HTML to a database easier. Over the years, it developed into a full-blown scripting language called CFML (ColdFusion Markup Language) with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). CF’s success led to an increase in open-source platforms that support reliable and rapid web application development.
As a CF developer, you may have questions about which development arena to choose, and why? From Adobe ColdFusion to Railo to Lucee, there are multiple options available. This article highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, making it easier for you to choose between the three.
Details
Adobe ColdFusion came into existence in 1995 and has been a reliable web application development platform. This platform offers various features such as performance monitoring, auto-lockdown, end-to-end mobile development, Tomcat integration, language enhancements, and more.
Lucee is one of the most popular open-source platforms and aims to make CFML a lot more streamlined than it already is. The platform directly compiles Java bytecodes by using a dynamically-typed scripting language. The Lucee Project is an ever-evolving system supported by a community of CF developers.
Railo is an open-source CFML engine, as well as a predecessor to Lucee. According to CF developers, it offers excellent performance and features that tend to increase productivity. Railo supports all features created by Adobe and offers new developers a chance to learn and implement ColdFusion to create web applications quickly.
Installation
Installing Adobe ColdFusion requires ample consideration. For starters, you have to verify your server connection on the platform on which Adobe CF is being installed. Apart from this, there are several requirements needed for installing the software onto Windows and Unix platforms.
Lucee, in comparison, has a more straightforward installation process. The software automatically performs the server connection and allows the installer to run as a single application. One of the great things about Lucee is that its compatible with both Linux and Windows.
Railo comes with a pre-installed web server, Apache on Linux and IIS on Windows, and can also run by itself. The moment you install the software, Tomcat, and Oracle’s JRE 1.7 also get installed. The installer also establishes a connection with the Tomcat server.
Usability
Adobe ColdFusion, Lucee, and Railo are all easy-to-use owing to CFML, which in itself is one of the easiest programming languages. However, CFML has much potential, making it suitable for developers at all levels.
User Support
Adobe ColdFusion has a dedicated support team that you can connect with online as well as on-call. Along with 24/7 customer support, Adobe has multiple testing tools and a thriving CF community readily available to assist developers, whenever required.
Lucee also has a support group that can help developers with technical support. As a member of the Lucee Association Switzerland, you can quickly get help from fellow developers or through third-party websites. Although the platform has a community, most CF developers prefer Adobe’s circle.
Railo is driven by its community! The people behind the workings of the platform genuinely care about all CF developers. They are responsive and results-driven, making Railo a great choice for new developers.
Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of Adobe ColdFusion is its price. However, the platform comes with different packages based on requirements. While most websites can be developed using a cheaper version of the platform, prices go up when you plan to scale up.
Lucee and Railo are both open-source platforms and are free! Owing to this, many developers have moved away from Adobe ColdFusion to use its cheaper alternatives. Since both platforms are open-source, you don’t have to pay a licensing fee, even when you decide to scale your work.
Common FAQs
1. Is there any similarities between ColdFusion, Lucee, and Railo?
Yes, all three will use the same CFML for the scripting language.
2. Why is Lucee preferred over the other two ColdFusion and Railo?
Lucee is preferred mainly because of its faster development and Open Source too.
3. Is the Lucee platform Open source?
Yes, it is Open Source
4. Is Lucee installation need more expertise?
Lucee installation is very simple and can be done in just 3 to 4 steps.
Conclusion
While all three platforms come with their particular features, they all have one thing in common, aka CFML. As a developer, choosing between them rests solely on the type of requirements that you have. While you may be drawn towards cheaper costs, there’s always 24/7 support to consider. Regardless of what you choose, creating websites using CFML, will pay off!
